Published: Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Angels' Wood has inside track on third base job
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Mike Scioscia likes to keep reporters -- and his players -- in the dark when it comes to spring-training decisions such as what pitcher will start opening day and who has the edge in position battles.
But the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim manager tipped his hand Monday, acknowledging that Brandon Wood, the organization's top prospect for several years, will get first crack at the third base job, with Maicer Izturis likely to open the season as a utility infielder.
"He's a guy we would like to take the position," Scioscia said when asked whether Wood was a lock to be his starting third baseman. "He has to show he's ready, but right now, we're looking for him to get the first opportunity there, with Izzy helping out with the versatility he brings to play second, third and shortstop."
In 224 big league at-bats since 2007, the 25-year-old Wood has hit .192 with seven home runs, 19 runs batted in, 74 strikeouts and seven walks.
But the Angels believe that with regular playing time, Wood has the potential to hit 15 to 20 home runs and cut down on his strikeouts. They think Wood is major league-ready defensively.
Izturis, who signed a three-year, $10 million deal this winter, will probably play four or five times a week, spelling Wood, shortstop Erick Aybar and second baseman Howie Kendrick.
"If we have to adjust to that, we will," Scioscia said. "But we know what Brandon is going to do on defense, and hopefully he'll find a comfort level on offense. He has a lot of talent and potential."
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(c) 2010, Los Angeles Times.
Visit the Los Angeles Times on the Internet at http://www.latimes.com/
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
But the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim manager tipped his hand Monday, acknowledging that Brandon Wood, the organization's top prospect for several years, will get first crack at the third base job, with Maicer Izturis likely to open the season as a utility infielder.
"He's a guy we would like to take the position," Scioscia said when asked whether Wood was a lock to be his starting third baseman. "He has to show he's ready, but right now, we're looking for him to get the first opportunity there, with Izzy helping out with the versatility he brings to play second, third and shortstop."
In 224 big league at-bats since 2007, the 25-year-old Wood has hit .192 with seven home runs, 19 runs batted in, 74 strikeouts and seven walks.
But the Angels believe that with regular playing time, Wood has the potential to hit 15 to 20 home runs and cut down on his strikeouts. They think Wood is major league-ready defensively.
Izturis, who signed a three-year, $10 million deal this winter, will probably play four or five times a week, spelling Wood, shortstop Erick Aybar and second baseman Howie Kendrick.
"If we have to adjust to that, we will," Scioscia said. "But we know what Brandon is going to do on defense, and hopefully he'll find a comfort level on offense. He has a lot of talent and potential."
------
(c) 2010, Los Angeles Times.
Visit the Los Angeles Times on the Internet at http://www.latimes.com/
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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