For Spiezio, Walking Isn't a Contradiction

For Spiezio, Walking Isn’t a Contradiction

By Bill Shaikin

May 7, 2002 12 AM PT

First baseman Scott Spiezio came up in the Oakland organization, which insists players master the art of taking a walk if they want to advance through the minor leagues.

Spiezio ranks second among the Angels in walks, even though he spotted his teammates a week because of his season-opening suspension, and ranks second among the starters in on-base percentage, despite a .262 batting average. So does his training in the A’s system help explain his success?

“Maybe subconsciously,” he said. “It’s not something I’m conscious of. If it’s a pitch I like, I’ll hack at it. It’s not like Oakland, where I’m taking the first pitch and taking 2-0 and 3-1.”

The A’s proudly point to their emphasis on drawing walks as one reason for their recent success. In the minor leagues, Spiezio said, the A’s eliminate players without enough walks from consideration for monthly awards, “even if you hit .400 with 10 home runs during the month.”

In the majors, he said, “[General Manager] Billy Beane would even come through the clubhouse after a game and say, ‘Why did you swing at the first pitch when the last guy walked on four pitches?’”

In spring training, Angel coaches stressed the need for players to take more pitches and get more walks, putting more runners on base and tiring opposing pitchers. The hitters were receptive but Spiezio believes that aspect of hitting is best taught in the formative years in the minor leagues, the way the A’s do it.

“You have to start early,” he said. “It’s hard once you get to the major leagues to start learning that.”

ON DECK

Opponent--Detroit Tigers, three games.

Site--Edison Field.

Tonight--7.

Radio--KPLS (830) tonight, KLAC (570) Wednesday and Thursday, XPRS (1090) all three games.

Records--Angels 15-15, Tigers 10-20.

Record vs. Tigers (2001)--5-4.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’

JARROD

WASHBURN