Peter Bourjos – Tempe, AZ (2008)
By Chuck Richter – Angelswin.com Senior Editor
“He might be the fastest guy in our camp — and that’s really saying something. He’s one of the young guys who, hopefully, we’ll be talking about on the depth chart.” — Scioscia, on outfielder Peter Bourjos, a 10th-round pick in 2005 out of Scottsdale, Ariz. Considering the Angels have burners like Chone Figgins, Nathan Haynes, Erick Aybar and Reggie Willits, that’s saying something.
Bourjos, who we ranked #7 in our Top-50 Prospects List back in December of ’07, has been turning heads in spring camp, hitting .429, while posting a .619 slugging pct. which includes a 3-run HR in 21 at bats. While his bat has been impressive, that’s not the only thing that has impressed Scioscia, coaches and his teammates, but the aforementioned speed which has seen him run down some balls in the outfield, looking like a future gold glover out there, while looking like a future base stealing threat with more work in the minors reading pitchers and getting better jumps.
Peter has a chance at being a true 5-tool player with his ability to drive the ball, improved contact, playing stellar defense, flashing a strong arm and his ability to steal bases with those wheels of his. If Peter displays all of those tools in Rancho this season, his Major League debut could push Hunter to a corner, sooner than later. Though realistically we have his ETA in 2010, if he continues to show progress.
Be sure to check out Peter Bourjos in Rancho Cucamonga with the Quakes in about 3 weeks once the minor league season begins. But before you see him take the field at the Epicenter, here’s a chance to find out a little about our future star that will adorn a Halo around an A on his cap, all decked out in red.
Peter Bourjos, OF – Los Angeles Angels
Q: (Angelswin) When did you start playing baseball?
A: (Peter Bourjos) I started playing baseball as soon as the league would let me, so probably around 4 or 5 years old
Q: (Angelswin) Who was the most influential in your pursuit to the big leagues?
A: (Peter Bourjos) I would have to say both my parents Chris and Janet
Q: (Angelswin) What baseball player was your favorite growing up?
A: (Peter Bourjos) I loved watching Jim Edmonds.
Q: (Angelswin) Team you followed growing up?
A: (Peter Bourjos) I first followed the Blue Jays because my dad worked for them as a scout and then the Brewers, who my dad still is a scout for now.
Q: (Angelswin) Best 1-game performance in your career to date?
A: (Peter Bourjos) When I was in Orem playing for the Owlz, I had two triples in the same inning.
Q: (Angelswin) What part of your game needs the most improvement?
A: (Peter Bourjos) My base stealing.
Q: (Angelswin) What aspect of your game do you take the most pride in?
A: (Peter Bourjos) My defense.
Q: (Angelswin) Who was the best player you’ve played against and played with in the minors? Both at the plate and from the mound?
A: (Peter Bourjos) I have played against a lot of good players but I cant think of one that stands out more than all the others. I played with two great players, hitter Chris Pettit and pitcher Nick Adenhart.
The lighter side of Peter Bourjos
Q: (Angelswin) If there is one thing people should know about Peter Bourjos the person, it is?
A: (Peter Bourjos) I enjoy cooking.
Q: (Angelswin) What do you like to do besides play baseball, what’s your hobby?
A: (Peter Bourjos) I enjoy playing golf, cards and video games
Q: (Angelswin) What’s your favorite food?
A: (Peter Bourjos) Chicken Parmesan.
Q: (Angelswin) What kind of music do you listen to? What’s in your CD player right now?
A: (Peter Bourjos) I listen to country, I like Tim McGraw.
Q: (Angelswin) What’s your all time favorite movie?
A: (Peter Bourjos) Transformers
Q: (Angelswin) Most visited website?
A: (Peter Bourjos) Minorleaguebaseball.com almost after every game.
Q: (Angelswin) Speaking of web sites, what do you think of Angelswin.com?
A: (Peter Bourjos) I think that is really cool that you guys are so dedicated on reporting about the Angels and their farm system. I feel the website is great and I check it at least once a week.
Q: (Angelswin) What person are you going to call first when you get promoted to the big leagues?
A: (Peter Bourjos) I will call my dad and then my mom
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