Big Red Today: Q&A with Mike Scioscia, Los Angeles Angels manager

While being called “Ersty” all the time must suck…I recently ran into a childhood friend who is still known as “Worm-Eye”.

World-Herald: What was your first impression of Darin Erstad?

Scioscia: Ersty? A number of things. First of all, the physical ability speaks for itself. I’d never really been around Darin — I was coaching with the Dodgers when he came on board with the Angels, was drafted and was in the big leagues very soon. You could see the physical talent. But until you get in the clubhouse with him, until you get on the practice field with him, until you get into a game situation with him, you don’t really appreciate how much he really means to the team. At the start of spring training in 2000, you could quickly see that Ersty was a special player and a special person. And there’s no doubt he was the foundation of those championship teams.

WH: There have been some changes lately, the biggest one being the (new composite) bats. Have you seen the game grow?

Scioscia: I’d like to see the college game go back to wood bats.

WH: Really?

Scioscia: Absolutely. I think that’s what this game is built around. I think some of the changes in bats are to try to make the bats more representative of what a wood bat would do, as far as bat speed and the caliber of how you hit a ball. I think it’s a good move. But if they’d go back to wood bats, I’d be happy.