INSIDE PITCH

Posted on 2010 under Angels | Comments are off

10 Mar

The Angels are hoping Brandon Wood's bat is ready for the major leagues. But his glove could buy him some time to find out. "Brandon is a guy we're very, very comfortable with on the defensive end," manager Mike Scioscia said. "That will give us an important presence at third, which might take a little pressure off of what he has to do with the bat and still contribute. "We do need production from that spot. Brandon is a guy we feel -- if we have to ease him off a bit, if he's pressing or if we'll maybe let him run with some things -- that he'll get enough playing time to contribute and continue to develop and hopefully be on the positive end of this thing as we move through the season." Originally a shortstop, Wood was moved to third base two years ago and has handled the transition smoothly, continuing to play some at shortstop and even adding some first base to his resume. But it is at third base where he has a chance to step into an everyday role, replacing Chone Figgins, who signed with the Mariners as a free agent this winter. Scioscia praised Wood as having Gold Glove ability at third base with the potential to be "a difference-maker" for the Angels on defense. "That's going to be one thing in Woody's favor that's going to help," Scioscia said. "He has the makings of a terrific defender." WHERE: Tempe Diablo Stadium, Tempe, Ariz. The Angels have made Tempe their exclusive spring home since 1993, moving their minor league complex there as well after a major renovation in 2004. AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Mike Scioscia is the winningest manager in franchise history (900-720 in 10 seasons) and was rewarded with his second Manager of the Year award in 2009 after guiding the Angels to their fifth division title in the last six seasons despite the death of young RHP Nick Adenhart early in the season. Scioscia is the longest tenured manager in the American League and holds sway over every aspect of the organization's baseball operations. His teams are always well-versed in the fundamentals and rely on an aggressive offensive approach, putting pressure on opposing defenses with their willingness to steal, hit and run and take the extra base at every opportunity.