Depth Perception!
The Tampa Bay Rays have finalized a deal to acquire outfielder Peter Bourjos from the Chicago White Sox. In exchange, the White Sox will receive cash considerations or a player-to-be-named-later.
Bourjos provides the Rays with a suitable back-up for Kevin Kiermaier. Speed and defensive prowess were high on the list of requirements when looking for a reserve outfielder. The Rays did not appear satisfied with Mallex Smith being the other centerfield option. The move to bring in a right-handed bat makes sense given that Kiermaier and Smith are both left-handed hitters.
In January, the White Sox signed Bourjos to a minor-league deal. He patrolled right field for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016. That experience should come into play early in 2017. The Rays recently announced that left-fielder Colby Rasmus will start the season on the DL.
Bourjos has performed well against the first two teams the Rays will face this season.
American League East Success
Bourjos – 22 games against #Yankees – .284 BA
23 games against #BlueJays – .301 BA. Expect a heavy dose #OpeningWeek w/ Rasmus out. #Rays— The Scrum Sports (@TheScrumSports) March 28, 2017
The Minnesota Twins (.305 BA) and Seattle Mariners (.298 BA) are the only two teams (min. 20 games) that have had more difficulty retiring the speedy outfielder.
His .297 average against the Boston Red Sox (13 games) and .278 average versus the Baltimore Orioles (27 games) suggest that Bourjos could see an increase in offensive output with the Rays.
