Howie to the DL, Wood to the bigs

The LA Times is reporting that second baseman Howie Kendrick will be placed on the disabled list retroactive to July 8. Kendrick has a slight fracture in his right index finger from "swinging the bat" during the team's last visit to Arlington. In his place, the team will call up top prospect Brandon Wood.

Understandably, Erick Aybar should be spelling Howie, but with Aybar spending time on the DL with his own fracture (but his of the wrist variety), the club is reaching the depths of its ability to respond to injury. Maicer Izturis should see most of the time at third, but Wood's presence is interesting. Perhaps the Halos intend to move Figgy over to second and give Wood some time at third base? Such a decision would be adventurous, as Figgy's glove, while serviceable, would be more of a liability at the much more difficult second base position. More likely, Wood will ride the pine and get pinch-hit opportunities every now and then. I don't see the wisdom of such usage, since the club's top prospect requires regular at-bats to continue his development. Be still my heart--perhaps he will serve as DH and prevent Garret Anderson from getting at-bats.

Either way, make no mistake folks. This Wood kid is the club's future. He is a slugger in the mold of Troy Glaus. If the team does not sign Alex Rodriguez in the offseason, Wood will one day (hopefully soon!) provide the power at third base that this team so desperately needs. Now if only he could cut down on his rather generous strikeout rate...

On a separate note, be sure to read the Athletic's Rotation Examination below!