Ex-Angel Brandon Wood attempts to revive career with Rockies

Tempe, Ariz. —  This was not the career trajectory or the route into Tempe Diablo Stadium that Brandon Wood and the Angels had in mind years ago.

A first-round pick in 2003, rated by Baseball America as the game’s third-best prospect in 2006, Wood was handed the Angels’ third-base job coming out of spring training in 2010 and fumbled it away amid a flurry of strikeouts, pop-ups and weak grounders.

Wood was released by the Angels last April, claimed by Pittsburgh and released after hitting .220 in 99 games. Monday he strolled into the Angels’ spring-training home in black, purple and pinstripes, clinging to his long-shot hopes of winning a utility role with the Colorado Rockies.

“It feels a little weird to be walking this way,” Wood said upon arriving at the visiting dugout. “When you go through the minor leagues and have the success I had, you don’t envision yourself taking this road. Not by any means, is that something I regret now. I just look forward to new opportunities.”

Wood is only 27, so he’s not about to give up on his goal of becoming a big-league regular, of finding a swing that will result in consistent quality contact. He entered Monday’s game hitting .278 with two doubles and three triples but also had 13 strikeouts and no walks in 36 at-bats.

Wood, who in 2005 hit .321 with 43 homers and 115 runs batted in at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, replaced the departed Chone Figgins at third base in 2010 but hit only .146 with 71 strikeouts and six walks in 226 at-bats over 81 games.

The Angels traded for third baseman Alberto Callaspo that July and Wood was designated for assignment last April when it was apparent he had no role in Anaheim. Wood is trying to win another utility for Colorado and has played all four infield positions and left field for this spring.

“You learn from everything you go through,” Wood said. “I’ve been to the bottom and worked my way back up. For some people, it’s part of the game. There are things you have to deal with. I’m willing to accept them and keep working hard.

“Nothing is handed to you. I had my opportunity with the Angels in 2010. Now I have one in Colorado. Instead of one glove, I have five. If you swing the bat, you find yourself some playing time and a spot.”

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Brandon Wood attempts to revive career with Rockies