Peter Bourjos: Angels Best Prospect Performance #7

by rghan on Nov 7, 2009 6:07 AM PST in Minor Leagues Comment 15 comments

7) Peter Bourjos, 22 - CF, AA

.281/.354/.423 with 6 HR and 32 SB's. +7 bat, +15 glove

Like last year, Bourjos' bat tailed off in the second half. Turns out, it was injury related: he underwent surgery last month to clean up his wrist, which had been bothering him since June. Once healthy and in Salt Lake, it would not surprise me at all to see him return to his first half, ~.800+ OPS ways. Given Bourjos' power potential and the PCL's generous hitting environment, we may see some more homeruns as well. Looking further out, I think it's likely his early career mirrors Erick Aybar's, where he spends a good chunk of time as an under-appreciated backup on the mlb club, quietly contributing outstanding defense and speed, while steadily improving with the bat to the point where he gets leadoff consideration.

I'll continue posting the top performances through next week. Again, remember that this list is based entirely on statistical performance in 2009, and is not a traditional "best prospects" ranking.

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would he be comparable to Jacoby Ellsbury?

Thank you, Nick Adenhart. You will always be remembered. #34

by howiestheman on Nov 7, 2009 9:43 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely in terms of defense and speed

But Ellsbury showed more plate discipline earlier and more consistently in his career. Bourjos is still trying to catch up in that department. Also, Ellsbury bats from the left side, so benefits from the platoon split far more often than Bourjos ever will.

That said, Ellsbury is much closer to his peak right now, so we have a much better idea of what his ceiling looks like. Bourjos is 3 years younger, so has a little more time to refine his skills. If he keeps making adjustments like he’s made over the past two years, he still might end up the better hitter in the end. I’m not saying that will happen by any means, only that it’s possible.

by rghan on Nov 7, 2009 10:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Is he scrappy like Ellsbury??

I dont even know if you can answer that. But one thing I appreciate about Ellsbury is his David Eckstein like scrappiness. I.E. A willingness to get dirty and always hustle.

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Nov 7, 2009 10:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Managers voted Bourjos the "most exciting" player in the Texas League, for what that's worth.

I suspect you’ll find that the answer is yes, but of course I can’t say for sure.

by rghan on Nov 7, 2009 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm jealous that you get to see him in action next year.

I expect pictures. Lots of pictures.

by rghan on Nov 7, 2009 12:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

for sure...but im in portland...

so i get to see him but only visiting games…

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Nov 7, 2009 11:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

for some reason i thought Bourjos was a lefty... hmm...

anyway, i saw him play a little bit when he was with Rancho, and i thought he was very Ellsbury-esque. I could definitely envision him as a speedy, leadoff-type CF.

Thank you, Nick Adenhart. You will always be remembered. #34

by howiestheman on Nov 7, 2009 12:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ellsbury actually gets rated as a pretty poor CF

he’s very fast but apparently gets horrible reads on the ball.

http://www.overthemonster.com/2009/10/31/1109444/ellsburys-inexplicable-rngr

by MH252525 on Nov 7, 2009 1:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Fascinating

I live right outside of Boston, so I fear I ate up all the “we lose nothing by getting rid of Coco” hype that accompanied Ellsbury’s ascension to the minors without ever really checking it out.

According to TotalZone, he had a couple of very good years in the minors, peeking in 2006, when he +14 in CF, and 2007, when he was +11 out there. Looks like he tailed off in 2008, where most systems pegged him as average, and then in 2009… Wow. He was terrible.

Good catch. I think Bourjos will do better in the field.

by rghan on Nov 7, 2009 2:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs