ANGELS NOTEBOOK: SPIEZIO MOVED BY OVATIONS.Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer ANAHEIM - One day after being caught ``off guard'' by the two standing ovations he received, former Angels infielder Scott Spiezio Scott Edward Spiezio (born September 21, 1972 in Joliet, Illinois) is a Major League Baseball player with the St. Louis Cardinals. He is the son of former Cardinal Ed Spiezio. still was smiling. Spiezio, who played for the Angels for four seasons and hit the dramatic home run in Game 6 of the 2002 World Series, got the first standing ovation when he was introduced during pregame player introductions Tuesday in the Angels' home opener at Angel Stadium with his new team, the Seattle Mariners The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Mariners have played in Safeco Field. . Spiezio appeared surprised by the ovation as it continued for a few minutes. ``It felt like it lasted forever,'' said Spiezio, who signed a three-year, $9 million contract to start at third base for the Mariners. The Angels offered two years and $4 million and couldn't guarantee him a starting spot. ``I started to get a little emotional.'' Spiezio tipped his cap and then patted his chest over his heart. ``I wanted to show my appreciation for them,'' he said. The second ovation came between innings during the game, when the video display board showed a highlight of his Game 6 home run, which started the Angels' rally from a 5-0 deficit in the seventh inning. ``I was thinking, 'This is cool,' then I said, 'What do I do?' '' Spiezio said. ``(Mariners teammate Dave) Hansen said get out there.'' Spiezio stepped onto the dugout steps and acknowledged the crowd again. ``It gives you goose bumps goose bumps or goose pimples: see gooseflesh. ,'' he said. ``That was real classy. I really enjoyed my time here. I wish my family could have been here, but I told them about it.'' The ovations impressed another former Angels player currently with the Mariners, reliever Shigetoshi Hasegawa Shigetoshi Hasegawa (Japanese: 長谷川 滋利) (born August 1, 1968 in Kakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan) was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Seattle Mariners from 2002 through 2005. . --Taking no chances: Catcher Bengie Molina Benjamin José ("Bengie" or "Ben") Molina (born July 20 1974 in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico) is the starting catcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. After being initially regarded as a "good glove, no hit" catcher, Molina has developed into one of the better hit a home run and threw out Mariners speedster speed·ster n. 1. One who drives very fast. 2. A fast car. Ichiro Suzuki trying to steal in Tuesday's game, which also was Molina's season debut. But Molina was back on the bench Wednesday in favor of brother Jose, as the Angels want to take the cautious approach with Molina, who has a sore left hamstring. --Glaus day-to-day: Although it could be about a week until Molina is ready to play every day, third baseman third baseman n. Baseball The infielder stationed near third base. Noun 1. third baseman - (baseball) the person who plays third base third sacker Troy Glaus Troy Edward Glaus (born August 3, 1976 in Tarzana, California) is a Major League Baseball player who plays third base for the Toronto Blue Jays. Previously, Glaus played with the Anaheim Angels (1998-2004) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (2005). , who also has a sore left hamstring, is listed as day-to-day. Wednesday he missed his third consecutive game since hurting himself running the bases Sunday in Texas. ``Troy is more comfortable but not at a point where he's ready to go out there,'' Scioscia said. --Spanish flavor: In an effort to increase their Latino fan base, the Angels' publication ``Angel Magazine'' that is sold at the stadium has a story on pitcher Kelvim Escobar Kelvim Jose Escobar Bolivar [ess-coe-BAR] (born April 11, 1976 in La Guaira, Venezuela) is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who currently plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2004-present). He bats and throws right handed. written in English and Spanish. It is the first in a series of stories the magazine will publish in both languages. --Ratings winner: Channel 9's Tuesday-night broadcast of the Angels' home opener attracted the team's highest rating for a home opener since 1998. The 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. broadcast averaged a 4.9 rating and 8 share, based on measurable in-home viewing data provided today by Nielsen Media Research. Viewership peaked with a 6.9/11 during the 10-10:15 p.m. quarter hour. Each rating point represents 54,023 households in the Los Angeles area. Joe Haakenson, (626) 962-8811 joe.haakenson(at)sgvn.com CAPTION(S): box Box: ANGELS vs. SEATTLE - Joe Haakenson |
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