Grady’s glove golden: Sizemore wins again

He’s the first Indian to win two straight awards since Omar Vizquel in 2000-01.

CLEVELAND (AP) — He’s Golden Grady again.

Cleveland center fielder Grady Sizemore won his second straight Gold Glove on Thursday, the first Indians player to win in consecutive seasons since shortstop Omar Vizquel in 2000-01.

Sizemore was selected in voting done at the end of this season by AL managers and coaches. He’s the first Cleveland outfielder to win in back-to-back seasons since center fielder Kenny Lofton (1995-96).

Sizemore made just two errors in 386 total chances and finished the season with a 36-game errorless streak.

Not only was the 26-year-old able to run down balls hit into the gaps he frequently caught them at full sprint before crashing into the wall.

The All-Star wasn’t all-field, either. Sizemore hit 33 homers and stole 38 bases, joining Joe Carter as the only Cleveland players in the 30-30 club.

Sizemore was also the first player since “Shoeless” Joe Jackson to lead the Indians in hitting four straight seasons, and he’s the only player in Cleveland’s 108-year history to have at least 30 doubles, 30 homers and 30 steals in the same season.

Rays first baseman Carlos Pena raised his profile when he won the Gold Glove, one of four newcomers on the AL team.

Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia, Texas shortstop Michael Young and Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer also were first-time winners for fielding excellence.

The outfield was a repeat from last season. Los Angeles’ Torii Hunter and Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki each won for the eighth straight year.

New York Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina, coming off his first 20-win season, added to his accolades with his seventh Gold Glove. Seattle third baseman Adrian Beltre won for the second straight year.