Pirates Acquire Brandon Wood

Pittsburgh (KDKA)- Shortstop Ronny Cedeno now has competition for his job because this afternoon the Pirates claimed Angels shortstop Brandon Wood off waivers.

The right-handed hitting Wood was originally selected by Los Angeles (AL) in the first round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft (23rd pick overall) and made his Major League debut with the Angels in 2007.

Wood was rated by Baseball America as the Angels' top prospect prior to the 2006 and 2007 seasons. He was named the California League MVP and The Sporting News' Minor League Player-of-the-Year in 2005 after batting .321 with a league leading 51 doubles, 43 home runs, 115 RBI and 109 runs scored with Rancho Cucamonga.

Wood made LA's Opening Day roster in 2010 and was the club's Opening Day starter at third base.

Wood has been one of those highly touted prospects that haven't been able to put it together in the majors.

In order to officially add Wood to the 40-man roster, the Pirates must remove someone from the roster. That move will come later this afternoon.