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DETROIT -- Placido Polanco of the Detroit Tigers set a major
league record for second basemen by playing his 144th straight game
without an error in a 7-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Monday
night. "I have to really thank the organization for giving me the
opportunity to be the second baseman and play every day," said
Polanco, whose last error was July 1, 2006, at Pittsburgh. The Tigers acquired Polanco during the 2005 season from
Philadelphia for reliever Ugueth Urbina and infielder Ramon Martinez, making him their everyday second baseman and clearing the
way for Chase Utley to start every day for the Phillies. Polanco was the AL Championship Series MVP last season, helping
Detroit reach the World Series for the first time since 1984. "He's like an old shoe -- not the prettiest, but real
comfortable," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. Luis Castillo held the previous mark for second basemen with 143
errorless games from May 30, 2006, to June 5, 2007, while playing
for the Minnesota Twins. The major league record for consecutive
errorless games by any infielder is 193, set by Steve Garvey. Oakland's Mark Ellis played his 77th straight game without an
error, extending the franchise record for a second baseman. Ellis
said Polanco's feat was impressive, adding he is one of his
favorite players to watch. "He can be in the outfield making a relay throw and make an
error," Ellis said. "To go that long without making an error, it
shows his consistency. You know how consistent an offensive player
he is, but that shows he's consistent defensively, too."
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