Spiezio Is Bringing Full Course to Plate

Manager Mike Scioscia refuses to address most issues beyond the Angels’ immediate concerns and the game at hand, but Scott Spiezio’s continuing development at first base could create an interesting dilemma when Mo Vaughn returns next season.

Vaughn, out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured biceps tendon in February, said in June he wants to get in shape “to play both sides of the ball” next season, but even during his slimmer days in Boston, he was never known as a Gold Glove-candidate.

Since taking over as the Angels’ regular first baseman in early July, Spiezio has made only one error at first. He has made the routine plays and has also shown an ability to make spectacular plays, such as his diving catch of a line drive Wednesday night against Detroit.

Vaughn, however, has no desire to be a full-time designated hitter, so the Angels may have to decide in 2002 whether appeasing their $80-million player (Vaughn) is more important than using a stronger defensive player (Spiezio).

“I’m not looking past today’s game, so it’s tough to say what will happen in the future,” Scioscia said. “But the way [Spiezio] is playing now, he’s shown he can be a very good defensive first baseman.”

And a pretty good offensive one too. Spiezio struggled to find his stroke in a reserve role for the first three months of the season, but he has blossomed as a regular, batting .344 (44 for 128) with six homers and 19 runs batted in since July 8.

He raised his average from .228 to .277, and he has nine homers and 37 runs batted in in 310 at-bats. Last season, he batted .242 with 17 homers and 49 RBIs in only 297 at-bats.

Scioscia confirmed Thursday what was essentially a given--shortstop Gary DiSarcina, who underwent major rotator-cuff surgery in 2000 and minor shoulder surgery in May, will not play this season.

Once considered the glue to the Angel infield, DiSarcina, 33, has played in only 12 games in the last two years. His career is in jeopardy, but Scioscia wouldn’t rule out the possibility of DiSarcina receiving an invitation to spring training next season.

“You always want to go out on your own terms, and I hope DiSar’s arm will respond so he has that opportunity,” Scioscia said.

ON DECK

Opponent--Cleveland Indians, three games.

Site--Jacobs Field, Cleveland.

Tonight--4.

TV--Channel 11 Saturday.

Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

Records--Angels 64-57, Indians 67-52.

Record vs. Indians--3-3.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ RAMON ORTIZ

(10-7, 4.27 ERA)

vs.

INDIANS’ CHARLES NAGY

(4-5, 6.14 ERA)

Update--Entering Thursday’s game, the Indians had gone 18-6 since the All-Star break, turning a five-game deficit behind Minnesota in the American League Central to a 3 1/2-game advantage over the Twins. Cleveland has the league’s leaders in all three triple-crown categories, Roberto Alomar in batting (.351), Jim Thome in home runs (40) and Juan Gonzalez in runs batted in (106). Ortiz was pulled in the second inning of his last start against Toronto Saturday because of a sore shoulder, but the right-hander had a strong bullpen workout Tuesday and appears to be sound.

Saturday, 10:15 a.m.--Pat Rapp (5-9, 4.42) vs. C.C. Sabathia (12-4, 4.42).

Sunday, 10 a.m.--Jarrod Washburn (10-6, 3.67) vs. Bartolo Colon (10-8, 4.14).