Ask any fan of the Los Angeles Angels and they will quickly tell you that Brandon Wood should be starting everyday, whether at shortstop, third base, or even designated hitter. But unfortuntaely for the many of us, who seek freedom for Brandon Wood, the Angels organization, particularily Mike Scioscia, does not see it that way.
After last night’s game against Oakland, it was announced that the Angels would be optioning Wood back to Triple-A Salt Lake and promoting outfielder Reggie Willits.
Wood, who was called up to the big leagues two weeks ago, was not given an opportunity to showcase his abilities at the plate. During his stint with the Angels, he made just two starts and one pinch-hit appearance (going 3 for 9). According to Scioscia, Wednesday’s move was made in order for Wood to get back to playing every day, something that was not happening with the Halos. Scioscia also insisted that Wood’s demotion was no knock on his ability and was only made to keep team chemistry in tact:
“We’ve got some chemistry, guys are doing a terrific job, and we want to keep nurturing that chemistry,” Scioscia told the media. “Brandon’s time wasn’t for now.
“We feel Brandon’s ready for the challenge. We have to win games. Guys on the field are playing well.”
I love and respect Scioscia, but I just don’t get his rational hear. Which guys are playing so well that Brandon Wood is incapable of earning a starting position. Is it Chone Figgins and his .269 batting average? Is it Robb Quinlan, who started over Wood twice, and his .125 batting average? Could it be Erick Aybar and his .308 OBP? Is it Jeff Mathis, who is forcing Mike Napoli to DH, and his power numbers (.235 BA and 6 RBIs)?
I’m not so sure that replacing any of those guys would really disrupt team chemistry. In fact, it might even help the team win a few more guys. Hopefully, Wood will get a full-time starting job sometime in the near- future.
Tags: Brandon Wood, Reggie Willits
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