Carlos' Corner: 'I try to avoid bad habits'

Peña says temptations are everywhere
By Carlos Peña
Special to MLB.com

Carlos Peña, a 23-year-old rookie, was acquired by Oakland during the
offseason in a six-player trade with Texas. Expected to replace Jason
Giambi as the A's starting first baseman, perhaps as soon as Opening
Day, Peña is considered one of the top prospects in the game and is
providing for MLB.com an exclusive daily diary for the 2002 season.

Peña started at first base Monday against the Angels and went 0-for-2
with two walks and an RBI. After the game he addressed the
temptations of Spring Training in Arizona.

PHOENIX -- Young people have to deal with temptations everywhere,
and it's difficult for everyone. It's no different for a young
baseball player, and maybe even a little more difficult.

You see, because of the notoriety we have, we have very easy access
to a lot of things. And here in Arizona, there's so much nightlife
that you can find trouble almost everywhere you go. But I try to make
sure that I don't overindulge in that stuff because things of that
nature are what can derail you, make you lose control.

I can't afford to do that, so what I try to do is find a balance. I
don't want to be a hermit and never enjoy myself, but I have to be
smart about where I go and what I do. It's not easy, but I have to
try.

Maybe I'm a little overprotective with myself, but I do that for my
own security, my peace of mind. What's important for me is to keep
everything as simple as possible. That's why when I go out, it's
usually to a restaurant or a movie. Something simple like that. And
sometimes I'll just stay home and listen to music.

When you give in to temptations, to vices, that brings about bad
habits. And I have to try to avoid bad habits in every aspect of my
life. We all do.

Carlos Peña's diary appears as told to Mychael Urban of OaklandAthletics.com.