Padres Sign Brandon Wood to Minor League Deal
By James Lumalu
Brandon Wood (Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)
According to Corey Brock of MLB.com, the San Diego Padres have signed infielder Brandon Wood to a minor league contract—with no spring training invite.
Selected with the 23rd overall pick by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 2003 MLB Draft, Wood once drew comparisons to Cal Ripken Jr. because of the plus power he possessed as a shortstop.
In 2005, Wood set the California League ablaze slashing .321/.383/.672 with 43 home runs and 115 runs driven in. In total, 98 of his hits were of the extra base variety — the 43 home runs, plus 51 doubles and four triples.
Baseball America rated him as the third best prospect in baseball in 2006.
Wood spent three seasons (2007-2009) mashing in the Pacific Coast League before eventually getting the nod as the Angels’ everyday third baseman in 2010.
Unfortunately for Wood, his skills did not translate from the minor leagues to the big leagues. He hit just .146/.174/.208 with four homeruns and 14 RBI. Especially worrisome was the lack of plate discipline, Wood walked six times versus 71 strikeouts.
The Angels designated Wood for assignment in 2011, and was immediately claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wood has not appeared on a big league club since.
Now 28, Wood has seen his career play out as a former top prospect to minor league journeyman trying to find his way back to a big league diamond.