Bucs: Wood Claimed, Moves Made
PITTSBURGH — The Pirates may have added a brand new shortstop, claiming Brandon Wood off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Wood was one of the top prospects of his class in 2006, ranked No. 3 overall by Baseball America. However, since then he has been a disappointment. He'll look to possibly jump start his career in Pittsburgh.
Wood has spent time in the majors ever since the 2007 season, but his minor league numbers haven't translated. Wood has a career .168 batting average and just 11 career home runs, compared to minor league power numbers of 43 homers in 2005 and 25 in 2006.
Wood played in 81 games last season with the Angels, hitting .146 with 14 RBIs and four homers. He has two hits in 14 at bats so far this year.
Pittsburgh will be responsible for $420,000 of his salary this season.
In response to the move, The Pirates have designated Josh Rodriguez for assignment and have recalled infielder Pedro Ciriaco from Triple-A Indianapolis. It appears Ciriaco will fill a roster spot until Wood arrives from LA.
Josh Rodriguez was claimed by the Pirates back in December from Cleveland for $50,000 as a Rule 5 pick. If he clears waivers he must be offered back to the Indians at $25,000.
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Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
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Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com
