Peter Bourjos could be just what the LA Angels need.

The LA Angels had some great teams from 2002 to 2009.  What made the teams so good was definitely the play of some superstars like Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, Garrett Anderson, etc. However, it was the role players like David Eckstein, Scott Spiezio, & Chone Figgins that put those teams over the top.

This season the LA Angels made a shrewd move in signing a key role player in Peter Bourjos.  Right now Bourjos is signed to a minor-league deal only and is a non-roster invitee in the Angels Spring Training Camp.  So far Bourjos has looked good in his first two games which is definitely a small sample-size, for those of you Angel fans who remember when Bourjos last played in the Angels’ outfield he possessed a lot of intangibles.

Bourjos was always known for his speed and his defense.  Being that Bourjos is a few years older now than when he last played for the Angels he may have lost a step or two.  However, Bourjos still is fast and is an above average defender.  If he is able to make the team as a fourth outfielder he could be used in many ways.

Bourjos could be a late-inning defensive replacement or utilized as a pinch runner.  He could also be used to platoon with Kole Calhoun against tough lefties or even any lefties depending on how Calhoun is hitting.  

The other top candidate for the fourth outfield position is Michael Hermosillo.  Hermosillo is a similar player to Bourjos, but with far less experience and definitely less intangibles.  Bourjos has that extra-effort and is a real grinder that the team has been missing the last few years since Johnny Giavotella was let go.

 Say what you want about Bourjos just being an average player, but he has those intangibles that can be a great asset for a championship team.  He mat be just what the Angels needed,  We will have to see how things play out this Spring, but I would not be surprised if Bourjos’ name ends up on the Angels Opening Day roster.  Let’s see how the next month plays out.