Kennedy: Contract Is Up to Club

Adam Kennedy wants desperately to remain with the Angels beyond this season, but he has not made a contract proposal to the club. The Angels have not offered a new contract, and Kennedy said he would not ask his agent to make a proposal.

“If they want me around, they’re in the driver’s seat,” Kennedy said. “They know I want to stay.”

Howie Kendrick, batting .369 at triple-A Salt Lake, is the heir apparent to Kennedy at second base. The Angels could trade Kennedy, a free agent this fall, if they slip in the standings.

“I’m sure a lot depends on how we play,” Kennedy said.

In a move they said would improve the team now and in the future, the Angels designated Jeff Weaver for assignment 10 days ago and promoted Jered Weaver from Salt Lake. The Angels do not seem inclined to make a similar move by replacing Kennedy with Kendrick.

“He’ll help at some point,” General Manager Bill Stoneman said of Kendrick. “Adam Kennedy is playing pretty well right now.”

Kennedy hasn’t played much recently against left-handers, against whom he is batting .169. However, he is batting .288 against right-handers and .299 with men in scoring position, third on the team behind Juan Rivera (.302) and Robb Quinlan (.300) in the latter category.

*

The Angels say they have no plans to move prized prospect Brandon Wood from shortstop. Two scouts, each from a different American League club, said Sunday they foresee Wood in a different position.

One scout suggested a move to third base. The other saw Wood at second base, with Jeff Kent as a potential comparison.

Wood, 21, last season led the minor leagues with 43 home runs. He is batting .291 in 85 games at double-A Arkansas this season, with 19 home runs, 31 doubles, 107 strikeouts and 21 errors.

*

Chone Figgins stole four bases in the last two games and leads the AL in stolen bases with 33. He led the majors last season with 62.