PEORIA, Ariz. — Six years ago, Brandon Wood was ranked as the third-best prospect in baseball by Baseball America. He was considered the next superstar for the Angels. He had Hollywood looks, a big-league swing and defensively versatility.
So much for the hype.
At the age of 27, Wood still harbors those big-league ambitions. But instead of being dubbed a rising superstar, Wood is now trying to hang on to his baseball career.
Claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates off waivers from the Angels last April and given free agency last fall, Wood is an invited player to the Colorado Rockies' spring training. The spring has been much like his career.
He was opening eyes in the initial weeks of camp. Lately, however, he has been in an offensive funk.
Wood feels the Rockies unlocked a key for his success during winter workouts. When Wood opened the exhibition season going seven for 16 with two doubles and two triples, manager Jim Tracy talked about a December video session he had with Wood and the January work that hitting coach Carney Lansford did with Wood at the Rockies' spring complex in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Now comes the real test of how well Wood adapted.
Can he fix his approach quickly and snap out of a struggle that has seen him strike out seven times in 12 hitless at-bats of late?
Wood has a legitimate chance to make the Rockies because of his ability to play all four infield positions, in addition to left field. He has a shot of claiming the third-base job if the aches and pains continue to sideline Casey Blake. So a quick rebound would be a strong statement.
It would be a way of letting the Rockies know that he has regained the ability that made him one of the game's most-talked-about prospects after the Angels selected him in the first round of the 2003 draft. He did, after all, hit 43 home runs at high Single-A Rancho Cucamonga at age 20 and combined to hit 101 in his next four years at the Double-A and Triple-A levels.
Wood is ready for the challenge. He never thought about throwing it in earlier in his career. There's no reason to do it now. Face it: He has struggled in the majors. He has a .186 batting average in parts of five big-league seasons. He has struck out 218 times and hit only 18 home runs in his 700 big-league at-bats.
"Through the struggles and adversity, I didn't wonder if I can play," he said. "I've always felt I've done it before, I can do it again. Quitting never entered my mind."
That's why he was so eager to join the Rockies. In finalizing the minor-league deal, the Rockies had him come to Denver for lengthy sessions with Tracy, a former hitting coach, who had the video to show Wood where the breakdown came in his swing. He talked about closing the stance and eliminating a sweeping stroke that cut off the plate.
Then, when Wood returned to his home in Scottsdale, he got a call from Lansford, who was in Arizona, recovering from a hip replacement. The two spent days reworking the hitting mechanics.
"With the work, I was similar to where I was in high school," Wood said. "It was more natural. I could feel the success."
In early spring games, the feeling was reinforced. Lately, though, it has been a challenge, just like before. What's not like before is that Wood hasn't panicked.
"(In the last few years) I'd have a bad at-bat and start changing things, looking for something in a hurry," Wood said. "I'd have a bad batting practice and go crazy."
So far this spring, however, it's been a businesslike approach to the slump. There is work to be done. There is a job to be won.
Blake was signed with the idea he could fill the third-base void until Rockies phenom Nolan Arenado is ready to make the move from the big leagues. Arenado — who played at high Single-A Modesto last season and was the Arizona Fall League Player of the Year last fall — most likely will start the season at Double-A Tulsa, although he could move quickly.
Blake, however, has battled injuries recently, and the spring has been marred by a battle with a stiff neck. That has given Wood more of an opportunity, along with Brendan Harris and Chris Nelson.
Wood also has a shot at a utility spot, given his versatility in the field. He has started at every infield position in the big leagues and is confident he can play the outfield, as well.
"I started with one glove, shortstop, but life in baseball has been a struggle," he said. "I had to find a way to help my team win. The versatility helps there."
It opened a door for Wood with the Rockies. It's up to him to make sure the door doesn't shut on him.
