It could be Sean Rodriguez, not Brandon Wood

Imagine the uproar among Angels fans and bloggers if second baseman Howie Kendrick continues to struggle at the plate, the team makes a move to replace him, and it isn't to call up slugging prospect Brandon Wood.

It could happen.

Wood, who is batting .289 with 10 home runs and 21 runs batted in for triple-A Salt Lake, is the player most prominently mentioned when talk turns to in-house options to bolster the offense.

Because Wood plays third base and shortstop, his promotion would prompt a move of Chone Figgins from third base to second.

But if Kendrick, who is batting .229 with four homers and 20 RBIs, is demoted, Wood isn't the most worthy replacement candidate.

Sean Rodriguez is.

Fans remember Rodriguez as the slick-fielding but light-hitting second baseman who provided superb defense in place of the injured Kendrick and Maicer Izturis in five stints, and 59 games, with the Angels last season.

But Rodriguez, who also plays shortstop, third and the outfield, has become a legitimate two-way threat. He is batting .280 with 17 homers and 50 RBIs in 46 games for Salt Lake, and don't be surprised if he gets the call before Wood if a move is made.

"He's really picked it up," Manager Mike Scioscia said. "He's someone we're paying a lot of attention to. The way he's driving the ball, playing all-around, has been very impressive. [Salt Lake Manager] Bobby Mitchell can't say enough good things about how well he's playing."

Second fiddle?

As for Kendrick, Scioscia said, "We're not contemplating a move at this point, but it's something we're watching very closely."

Kendrick seemed to find his stroke during a six-game stretch from May 18 to 23, when he was eight for 23 with three RBIs, raising his average from .230 to .247.

But Kendrick went hitless in his next 11 at-bats and did not start Saturday night against Seattle.

"At times, he looks like he's getting comfortable in the box, at times he looks a little frustrated, like he's trying to do too much," Scioscia said. "If a couple hits fall in, I think this guy will start to relax and be productive. . . .

"It's not like [this has gone on for] a whole season, but we're getting into the meat of the season, and he still hasn't found his comfort zone. We're a little surprised by that, but we're also confident it will just take a couple of hits for him to get it going."