Top Spot Gives White Fresh Start With Angels : He Homers in Leadoff Role, Continuing Hot Streak After Change in Lineup

Devon White doesn’t particularly like batting in the leadoff spot. It’s just just not his style.

However, White’s problem is he’s darn good at it these days.

White is six of 17 in the four games since moving to the top spot, including one hit Friday in the Angels’ 6-5 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

But White isn’t the typical leadoff batter.

Leadoff batters are pesky. They will do anything to get on base, even take a pitch or two.

But White has yet to meet a pitch he doesn’t like.

White didn’t waste much time at the plate Friday. He hit the first pitch to him in the third inning for a two-run home run that cut Cleveland’s lead to 3-2. He also scored the Angels’ fourth run, in the fifth inning.

“I don’t think of myself as a leadoff batter,” White said. “I just do what I always do at the plate. I try to stay aggressive.”

White, who normally bats in the No. 3 spot, got off to a fast start this season. However, he tapered off in June and July and his average dipped to .256 before the change in the order.

“Hopefully this will help Devo get a little more focused,” Manager Doug Radar said. “Instead of worrying about doing several things, he can just worry about getting on base. If he hits a home run by accident, that’s fine.”

Power is not necessary for a batter in White’s position, but it sure comes in handy. It was White’s second home run this week; he led off Tuesday’s game against Minnesota with a homer.

White has 12 home runs this season.

“I just want to contribute, whether it’s hitting home runs or stealing bases,” White said.

In the fifth, White played the role of leadoff with a little more finesse. After reaching first on Jerry Browne’s throwing error, he played cat and mouse with starting pitcher Tom Candiotti.

Candiotti paid particular attention to White, throwing to first several times and almost picking off White once. After Claudell Washington flied out, White made his move and stole second, just ahead of the throw.

It was White’s 34th stolen base of the season.

“Tom and I go back to when we were both in triple-A,” White said. “He pretty much knows what I can do and was keeping me close. I didn’t get a good jump, but managed to beat it.”

And it paid off. After Johnny Ray grounded to second, with White taking third, Joyner walked and stole second. Chili Davis then singled, scoring White and Joyner to give the Angels a 5-4 lead.

“With my speed, I can do a lot of things in the leadoff spot,” White said. “I just have to try not to change my style too much.”

The Angels also have been successful with their new leadoff batter. They’ve won three of the four games, so White can expect to remain where he is.

“Like everything else we’re trying to do, hopefully this will work out for the best,” Radar said.