Back to the Bench: Familiar Refrain Confronts Spiezio

Scott Spiezio signed with the Angels early last year because they offered him a chance to play every day at second base.

Then they traded for Adam Kennedy in spring training and Spiezio did not get his chance to play every day until last July, at first base, and only after Wally Joyner retired and rookie Larry Barnes was hitting .100.

When the Angels moved Darin Erstad to first base Saturday, as a possible alternative to playing Mo Vaughn there next season, the conclusion was inescapable, at least to Spiezio: The Angels do not consider him an everyday player.

“They’ve been convinced of that since Day 1,” he said.

Spiezio is hitting .273 and ranks fourth on the team with 13 home runs. In his 10-week run as the Angels’ starting first baseman, he fielded well and hit .303, with 11 homers and 35 runs batted in.

“I guess I could have hit .350 with 30 jacks. That might have done something,” he said.

Manager Mike Scioscia said the Erstad move did not necessarily preclude Spiezio from returning to first base next season, depending on the Angels’ off-season moves, adding that Spezio’s ability to play first, third and the outfield would afford him playing time next year even as a reserve.

Clearly, the Angels believe they are a stronger team with Spiezio on the bench. He cannot declare free agency until 2003, unless the Angels do not offer him a contract before then.

“If they still want me here, I’ll be here,” he said. “I can’t do anything about it. It’s either pout or, when I get the opportunity, show them I’m a decent player.”

ON DECK

Opponent--Seattle Mariners, two games.

Site--Edison Field.

Tonight--7.

TV--Fox Sports Net, both games.

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

Records--Angels 75-81, Mariners 111-45.

Record vs. Mariners--4-13.

TONIGHT ANGELS’ JARROD WASHBURN (11-9, 3.57 ERA) vs. MARINERS’ PAUL ABBOTT (16-4, 4.27 ERA) Update

--The Angels have lost 13 of their last 15 games. They must sweep their remaining six to finish the season at .500--practically impossible and virtually meaningless anyway, since they are out of playoff contention. “So we’d go home all happy because we’re .500? I doubt it,” said pitcher Scott Schoeneweis. “That’s not anything to strive for.” The Mariners need to win three of their last six games to tie the 1998 New York Yankees for most victories by an AL team and five to tie the 1906 Chicago Cubs for most by a major league team.

Wednesday, 7 p.m.-Matt Wise (1-4, 4.43 ERA) vs. Freddy Garcia (18-6, 3.02 ERA)