The Angels have shuffled their outfield, and nine-time Gold Glove winner Torii Hunter insists he is OK with the decision to move him to right field with 23-year-old prospect Peter Bourjos taking over in center.
"I can sit here and say, 'I want 10 Gold Gloves and center field is my position,'" Hunter told the LA Times. "Sometimes you have to slap pride in the face and all that individual stuff. All I care about is winning, man (ESPN)."
I was absolutely shocked when I read this (can't believe Hunter is taking this so well). Hunter has been one of the better CFs in all of baseball for the past 10+ years. I have to admit I haven't seen a bunch of Angels games this year, but it would surprise me if he has fallen off that much.
I had never heard of Peter Bourjos until about 4 days ago. After doing some research I found out that Angels are really high on him (duh!!!). He is known for his speed (27 SBs in the minors), defense, and on top of that he hits for average (.317) and has a little pop (13 HRs). He went 0-3 in his first game, but rumors have it that he is going to take the leadoff spot full-time.
Mike Scioscia doesn't usually throw young hitters into the mix, so he must have a good feeling about this kid, or he thinks his year is over and he might as well see what he has for next year. Either way it gives the Angels a much better defensive outfield.
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