51s win at home

Nick Christensen

Thursday, May 8, 2003 | 9:41 a.m.

Until Wednesday night, Chris Clapinski had yet to play two consecutive games at the same position for the 51s. But he played his second game in a row at first base and it seemed to agree with him.

He was 1-for-4 with an RBI in the 51s' 7-3 win against Edmonton in their Pacific Coast League game at Cashman Field.

Clapinski spent most of the 2002 season at shortstop, but has fielded at four different infield positions this year.

"It's obviously a whole lot easier when you're playing one position," said Clapinski, 31, who in 70 games over two seasons with the Florida Marlins hit .267. "It gives you a sense of comfort, and you don't have to come to the ballpark and look at the lineup card, and wonder 'Where am I tonight? What am I going to be playing? What glove to I have to take down for BP?' "

51s manager John Shoemaker was pleased with what Clapinski has to offer his club. "He plays solid shortstop. He plays third, second. We're using him a little bit at first base now. He's a switch hitter, gives us a quality at-bat, and he's into every pitch."

Shoemaker also spoke highly of Clapinski's leadership and example, a role Clapinski relishes.

"Some of the older guys," said Clapinski, "we give them the opportunity to bounce questions off us, and ask some things they might not feel comfortable going up to the coaching staff and asking."

For example, he said, explaining to a player why the coach called for a hit-and-run on a certain play.

"If you don't understand a situation or a game enough, you might want to say 'Hey, why do you think I got this hit and run, or bunt in this situation?' I think some of the older players, we're able to follow along with what the coaching staff is doing, so we can answer those kinds of questions."

Still, he comes and works hard with the coaches to improve his game daily.

"Whether it's a different coaching style, a philosophy on how to play the game, you have to be able to take in all the information that's thrown at you, and take what works for you and use it," he said. "And whatever doesn't really work for you, throw it in the back of your mind and say, 'Hey, it might work for someone else down the line.'

"Every day you come to the ballpark, there's always something you can learn."