JAN. 30: Bourjos will earn $1.35MM if he makes the big league roster, tweets FanRag’s Jon Heyman.
JAN. 27: The White Sox have agreed to a minor-league deal with outfielder Peter Bourjos, per Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter). He’ll receive an invitation to MLB camp in the agreement.
Bourjos, 29, figures to have a solid shot earning at least a share in a platoon arrangement in center for the rebuilding South Siders. As things stand, the organization’s depth chart is loaded with unproven options such as Charlie Tilson, Leury Garcia, Jacob May, and Adam Engel.
Last year, the Phillies claimed Bourjos off waivers and installed him as the semi-regular right fielder. He started off with an abysmal first two months at the plate, resulting in a drop in playing time. Bourjos came roaring back with a monster June, then fell back to his typical levels for the second half of the year. At the end of the roller coaster, he was right back where he started, with a .251/.292/.389 batting line that is fairly reflective of his career work (.243/.300/.382).
Though his bat is obviously underwhelming, the speedy Bourjos has always generated value through other means. He typically rates well on the bases, though he doesn’t steal often, and shows good range in the outfield. Though it has been a while since he generated top-end marks from defensive metrics, Bourjos is generally viewed as an asset in the field and has extensive experience up the middle.
Good for Bourjos!
The way our team is lining up…huge shot at starting in center and leading off.
can’t hit
then he’s a perfect fit
Looks like CF may be patrolled by two Chicago suburbanites on the South Side. Charlie Tilson is from Wilmette while Peter Bourjos hails from Park Ridge.
I think Tilson could be white sox’s Tyler naquin
Except Tilson doesn’t project to hit for much power. From what I read he profiles as more of a 4th OF. Although as a Cardinals fan, I wish we still had him to serve that 4th OF role for the team this year. Solid contact hitter with good speed and a pretty good glove that can easily cover CF.
I guess to summarize my thoughts, he was a good get for CWS for what will amount to half a season of Duke (since he’s out this year with TJS)
“Solid contact hitter with good speed and a pretty good glove that can easily cover CF.”
You just described a solid everyday centerfielder. Not a whole bunch that are hitting for power… If they get that from Tilson next year, they’ll be VERY happy about it.
a guy who runs a 411 babip?
I mean, Tilson does have a .500 career BABIP in the majors… Sample size be damned.
Yeah, the local guys…. The Pale Hosers found two more of Bob Will !
On paper, it would like a nice platoon situation in CF with each player hitting from the opposite side and having similar attributes. However, neither has shown appreciable platoon splits versus opposite pitching throughout their careers and Tilson actually hit much better against southpaws for AAA Memphis in 2016.
I thought bourjos had a way better year last year for some reason
Nope, only his his rookie year with the Angels.
They might win 40 games
Lol, 45 !!
Decent move for the Sox assuming it’s a low salary. He can’t be any worse than Avi Garcia.
It’s a low salary. It won’t be anything more than a guaranteed $2-3MM with a few incentives.
liked him when he was with the Phil’s. wish him the best.
Why are guys with speed doesn’t know how to bunt ? I feel like the bunt is becoming less and less
He’s a very good bunter. In 75 at bats when bunting, he has 38 bunt hits, 35 sacrifices and 2 walks. Only problem he has is he’s right handed, so drag bunting is not an option. He’s a solid 4th OF. And if they play him in his correct position of CF, unlike the Phillies, and bat him 9th, he will be fine. He’s a $2-3MM dollar player. Realize that. I’m glad he’s back in the A.L. where he belongs.
More importantly, why is it that guys with speed don’t learn how to take a walk? There are just a ton of speedy hitters that just cant get on base. They should all be forced to watch Ricky Henderson highlights. He went up every at bat looking for a walk, because that automatically became a double.
In the words of Dirty Harry. ” A man’s got to know his limitations. ” Bourjos’ problem is he hasn’t learned or been taught pitch counts that should favor him. He’s what I call a backward hitter. Pitchers know he’s a free swinger, so they throw him junk even when the count is in his favor. Unlike good hitters who swing at 2-1 and 3-1, I would rather see Bourjos take those pitches. I’ve watched him a long time, and 80% of the time, a pitcher throws him a pitch low and away on those counts, and he usually misses. Plus, he really needs to learn to go oppo instead of pulling everything. Bourjos is at his best against guys that throw hard.
What a strange career Bourjos has had. Terrific first full season in 2011 at age 24: 5.1-BWAR. A 4th outfielder after that.
Be careful with that around here. Apparently every young player must unquestionably get better as they age.
If Atlanta had signed him, he’d be worth 6 bwar this year.. Just a joke guys.
and it would make Markakis that much more tradable. (so glad that didn’t happen)
Bottom line, he stinks.
No he doesn’t.
He can run, can’t hit….Triple A
And he can catch the ball. He’s better than AAA. If used properly, he’ll play in the majors for 10 years.
A guy who fills a roster spot if they can move Melky, and also has a tradeable asset if he preforms in the first half. Won’t bring back a top prospect if he is moved, but never know how guys pan out. Nothing more, nothing less.
Was hoping for a Melky trade and a quick Pagan or Bourn signing, now I’m just hoping Tilson runs away with the CF job. At least he’s still a relative mystery. Bourjos just embodies mediocrity. No offense to the guy. Wish him luck.
Yeah, because old, slowing down and injured guys like Pagan and Bourn are a real asset right now? NOT. Bourjos runs circles around those guys in the field and bases.. Defense is still important. And as far as Bourn goes, his offense is not better than Bourjos.
Trade bait, Bourjos doesn’t exactly project as trade bait, the others could.
Pagan maybe, Bourn no. Bourn wouldn’t be a 4th OF on most teams.
I remember when the Angels drew a hard line on not dealing Bourjos projecting his defensive metrics to be a worthwhile starter on the big club. He’ll hit enough, they said.
Injuries killed him in Anaheim. Hamstring then broken wrist. Wrist injuries suck for a hitter.
gorgeous bourjos! loved this guy on the angels
Good move by the Sox. I was hoping they’d get a below-average player to shore up the outfield. Gets them that much closer to the #1 overall pick. All they have to do is trade Q before the season starts and find in-season deals for Abreu, Frazier, and Robertson. I’m actually hoping they have a miserable season while their prospects develop or get a low-pressure intro to the majors.
#draftbeer
daved: thoughtful description of Bourjos. Which prospects do you think will play significant innings for the Sox this year? Which ones will start the season with the club?
GoSoxGo: Actually, I don’t really follow the Chisox that much. I just know if Tilson and Bourjos are both healthy and hit somewhat respectable in Spring Training, they will likely platoon in CF.
Charlie Tilson figures to be the White Sox primary starting CF in 2017, at least versus right-handed pitching. He should also get first crack at being their lead-off hitter when in the lineup. Veteran Peter Bourgos looks like his platoon partner at the position and also in the batting order.
Matt Davidson currently has the next best chance to accumulate some AB’s as a right-handed DH and backup to Todd Frazier at 3B and Jose Abreu at 1B. He’s made some adjustment to shorten his overlong swing since last summer and may finally be able to make enough contact to at least have a chance versus left-handed pitching at the MLB level. Davidson’s power potential has never been in doubt even as he struggles at AAA the past 3 seasons.
The White Sox most elite position prospect is Yoan Moncada but he will not be rushed to the White Sox big league roster. Despite making his MLB debut last September for the Red Sox as a third baseman, he has yet to play a single game at the AAA level. The White Sox will remain patient with Moncada as they let him master his hitting and refine his defense at 2B to begin the 2017 season at AAA Charlotte. His success their will determine just how quickly he gets promoted to the White Sox active roster. The club is not limited with options at 2B. Impending free agent Brett Lawrie will be the likely starter with versatile Tyler Saladino and defensive whiz Carlos Sanchez also in the mix.
Any player that can maybe take at-bats & field time away from Avi Garcia is a good get. Go White Sox!
Better than avisal Garcia , they should DFA him
Janko!
I would rather see one of the young prospects get a chance than a known mediocre player (borjos)
Engel, Hawkins and May should see MLB at bats… figure them out. If they can provide a 4th OF spot behind Avi
Unfortunately, CF’s Adam Engel and Jacob May have yet to master AAA pitching while corner OF Courtney Hawkins hasn’t produced at the AA level the past two seasons.
This may signal the end for Melky and/or Avi. Hometown kid getting the chance to play in Chicago, im expecting a big year 15 triples/ 50 doubles/ 30 SB/ gold glove.. If you can’t get any return on Avi may as well see if he can figure it out at the dish during a rebuild. Viciedo had at least 4 years to prove himself b4 they realized he,s not a major-leaguer, White Sox won’t be as bad as people think during whats hopefully a short rebuild especially if they hang onto Abreu & Quintana. Frazier,s a great leader to keep at least for the year to teach the youngsters how to be a pro. White Sox baby White Sox