The Rockies have hired longtime outfielder Peter Bourjos as an advance scout, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports (Twitter link). The hiring would seem to indicate that Bourjos, who turns 33 in March, is hanging up the cleats after a 14-year professional playing career that included 10 years in the majors.
Bourjos both began and ended his career with the Angels, who originally selected him in the 10th round of the 2005 draft. He spent his first four MLB seasons with the Halos before moving on to stints with the Cardinals, Phillies, Rays and Braves before once again landing back in Anaheim on a minor league contract last offseason. After appearing in 26 MLB games for the Angels last season, Bourjos was released in May.
Best known for his quickness and defense, Bourjos was an often-outstanding center fielder, posting +40 Defensive Runs Saved and +11.9 UZR/150 over 4080 1/3 career innings up the middle. This glovework made him a valuable part-time and bench commodity for teams looking for backup at all three outfield positions. Bourjos hit .237/.293/.376 over 2,334 plate appearances, and his offensive résumé includes an AL-leading 11 triples during the 2011 season.
We at MLBTR wish Bourjos all the best as he moves into this new phase of his baseball career, and congratulate him on a successful decade on the field.
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