Peter Bourjos Rumors: Angels Not Actively Shopping Bourjos

Peter Bourjos is not currently actively being shopped by the Los Angeles Angels, general manager Jerry Dipoto told Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.  Yesterday, rumors surfaced involving potential trade talks between the Angels and the Washington Nationals regarding Bourjos.  Beyond the Nationals, it was reported that the Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals had all checked in with the Angels on Bourjos.

Dipoto told reporters that the Angels are not “actively shopping” or “looking for a fit” for Bourjos.  Instead, Dipoto said that he and the Angels believe that Bourjos is an “asset” for the team.

While this might be the case, it seems unlikely that Bourjos will be with the Angels long-term.  The 25-year-old showed himself to be a competent center fielder last season, but the Angels have their center fielder of the future on their major league roster, Mike Trout.

Trout’s presence has already cut into Bourjos’s playing time, and the Angels are likely to cash in on Bourjos while teams remain interested.  While Bourjos could be used as a fourth outfielder, the Angels would be better off flipping him to help fill an area of need.

At this point, LA find themselves eight games back in the American League West.  While the Angels are lacking in several areas, resulting in their sluggish start, they currently have two major needs; in their bullpen and behind the plate.

Angels relievers currently have more losses (6) than saves (4).  LA’s bullpen is near the bottom of the league in ERA (4.60) and register last in the majors in strikeouts (53).  Help is needed in this area, and Bourjos could be the chip that brings in bullpen assistance.

LA’s starting catcher Chris Iannetta recently went on the disabled list and is listed as expected to miss six-to-eight weeks of action.  The Angels depth behind Iannetta is hindered by top catching prospect Hank Conger’s injury.  For this reason, LA could look to bring in a catcher that can help ease the loss of Iannetta.

Despite what Dipoto is saying, it seems to be a no-brainer that the Angels need to trade Bourjos before this summer’s deadline.

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