Sometimes, one man's misfortune is another man's opportunity.

Take Anaheim Angels infielder David Eckstein, for example.

This time last year, the younger brother of Georgia assistant baseball coach Rick Eckstein headed to spring training hoping to impress manager Mike Scioscia enough to earn a spot with the big club and avoid a second straight season at Class AAA.

But after incumbent second baseman Adam Kennedy broke a finger, Eckstein worked himself into the Angels' starting lineup, a spot he held for the entire year. Don't look for the Sanford, Fla., native to be giving it up anytime soon.

''I really had no clue what was going to happen,'' Eckstein said recently before hopping a plane for the team's spring training complex in Tempe, Ariz. ''Adam getting hurt was the break I needed. You don't like to see anybody get hurt, but when the opportunity presented itself to me, I had to take advantage of it.''

That's exactly what he did.

Eckstein, who alternated at second base and shortstop for Anaheim, enjoyed a solid rookie season, hitting .285 in the leadoff hole with four home runs and 49 RBI. What was most impressive was his work on the base paths. He stole a team-high 29 bases and was caught just four times.

''I'd have to say everything went pretty well, but I've got my brother (Rick) to keep my head on straight,'' Eckstein said. ''I just have to keep playing hard. It being my second year in the league, I know teams are going to be making adjustments whenever they face me. How quickly I adjust to that is going to be the big key.''

At 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds, Eckstein has had to work extra hard to be successful.

That's why he spent the entire off-season in Athens with Rick, working out individually and with the Diamond Dogs during their fall and preseason drills.

Georgia fans will remember Eckstein from his days as a collegian.

Eckstein played for the University of Florida, helping the Gators to a third-place finish in the 1996 College World Series.

Tugging at the Bulldog logo on his black baseball shirt, the 27-year-old knew he looked out of place.

''I just always seem to follow Rick around,'' Eckstein said. ''I admit, it's kind of funny. My whole family went to Florida, and I'm the youngest of five children. All I know is right now, this is great opportunity for Rick, and you know what they say about blood being thicker than water.''

Eckstein is excited about the off-season moves made by the Angels, especially the acquisitions of starting pitchers Kevin Appier and Aaron Sele along with that of designated hitter Brad Fullmer from Toronto.

As for himself, the goals are simple.

''I don't know about numbers, but I guarantee I'm going to play as hard as I can every time I step out on the field,'' Eckstein said. ''I like a good challenge. I always go out wanting to be the best. Something I learned a long time ago, if you play hard every time you step on the field, good things tend to happen.''