Jack Howell struggled as Doug DeCinces' replacement from 1988-90, prompting Gaetti, Gonzales, Owen and Phillips to all come over and hold down the position for the next five years. George Arias wasn't ready in '96, so Hollins was signed as a free agent to play every day in '97 and '98.
Seven years later there was Dallas McPherson, unfit to replace Troy Glaus and prompting Izturis and Figgins -- two natural middle infielders -- to spend a lot of extra time at third base.
Then there was Brandon Wood, who flopped dramatically in 2010 and forced the Angels to reacquire Callaspo via trade.