Angels looking for a backup shortstop

Five days before Monday's trade deadline, the Angels continue to pursue a veteran shortstop as insurance in case Erick Aybar is injured.

The team has targeted three Toronto players, slick-fielding John McDonald, former Angel David Eckstein and Marco Scutaro, as well as Baltimore's Juan Castro and Cleveland's Jamey Carroll.

The Angels lost considerable depth at the position when Maicer Izturis, who was splitting time with Aybar, tore a ligament in his left thumb Aug. 13 and underwent season-ending surgery.

"We're looking, we're surveying the landscape, and nothing has materialized," General Manager Tony Reagins said. "But if we see an opportunity to improve, we'll pursue it."

For a new Angel to be eligible for the postseason, he must be acquired by Monday. He would also have to pass through waivers, meaning another club could claim him and block any trade.

No team will just hand the Angels a quality shortstop, so the asking price, even for backups, is high.

"At this point, there hasn't been a fit," Reagins said. "The waiver aspect hasn't been an issue. The right pieces aren't in place for a deal. Will that change? Maybe. It may not."

If there is no deal, the Angels will enter the playoffs with untested rookie Sean Rodriguez, who made his first big league start at shortstop Tuesday, or Brandon Wood, who is playing shortstop at triple-A Salt Lake.

"I think Sean is capable, and we have depth with Brandon," Reagins said. "We have coverage, but if we can make ourselves better, we will."

Movin' on up

Howie Kendrick moved from the seventh spot to the second spot Tuesday, replacing Aybar at the top of the order, and Manager Mike Scioscia said the second baseman will remain there awhile.

"He won't give us as much of a situational look as Aybar," Scioscia said, "but when Howie is swinging the way he can, he certainly gives us a strong presence at the top of the order."

Kendrick, who had two hits Tuesday and entered Wednesday with a .311 average, has had trouble with some breaking balls away, but with the speedy Chone Figgins ahead of him and the dangerous Mark Teixeira behind him, he should get more fastballs in the two hole.

"That's not proven, but it does make sense that I'd see more heaters," Kendrick said. "But I'm happy anywhere I hit in the lineup, and I won't change my approach. I've still got to take balls and swing at strikes."