Redmond to take helm for Lansing team

LANSING, Mich. -- The Lansing Lugnuts, in conjunction with the Toronto Blue Jays, have announced the names of the 2011 Lugnuts coaching staff.

Mike Redmond, a twelve-year Major League veteran, will take the reigns for the first time in Lansing. Joining Redmond will be pitching coach Vince Horsman, returning hitting coach John Tamargo Jr. and trainer James Gardiner.

Redmond, 39, played for various teams including the Florida Marlins and Minnesota Twins before retiring this fall to begin a managing career. The Seattle native takes the place of former manager, Sal Fasano, who has been assigned to the Double-A team in New Hampshire.

"I have heard great things about the team in Lansing," Redmond said. "I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and having a great season."

Horsman, 43, will start his role as Lugnuts pitching coach in 2011. Horsman joined the Blue Jays organization in 2009 as the pitching coach for the Auburn Doubledays. The Halifax, Nova Scotia native is a five-year MLB veteran who played with the Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins.

Tamargo, 35, continues in his second season with the Lugnuts as hitting coach. The Tampa native is the son of John Tamargo, Sr., a five-year MLB veteran with the Montreal Expos. Tamargo, Jr. played collegiate baseball for the University of Florida and eight Minor League seasons before becoming a coach in 2004.

Gardiner will return as Lansing's trainer for a second year. This will be his third year with the Blue Jays organization after beginning with the Auburn Doubledays in 2009.