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Phillies Trade Chips: Peter Bourjos

By Matt Veasey

Jul 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Peter Bourjos (17) runs home for a score during the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Peter Bourjos (17) runs home for a score during the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 17, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Grichuk (15) dives and catches a ball hit by Texas Rangers right fielder Choo (not pictured) during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Grichuk (15) dives and catches a ball hit by Texas Rangers right fielder Choo (not pictured) during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

BOURJOS TO THE SAINT LOUIS CARDINALS

Left fielder Matt Holliday is now 36-years old, and while still dangerous at times, he is no longer the perennial all-star caliber force that once terrorized NL pitching.

The Cardinals best outfielder now is emerging 25-year old right fielder Stephen Piscotty, so there is certainly no need for an exact replacement at that position.

But in center field, the Cards are currently employing the strong defense but little offense of Randal Grichuk. The soon-to-be 25-year old is hitting just .227 with a .288 on-base percentage, albeit with a dozen home runs.

The depth outfielders right now are Kolten Wong and Tommy Pham. The Cardinals also have Brandon Moss, who has played mostly 1st base, on the DL with an ankle sprain.

Saint Louis would know exactly what it is getting in Bourjos, which could be a good or bad thing. After all, they did allow him to go to the Phillies in that waiver move.

However, they have to know that he has value. He would seem to be a good fit for this kind of team, which values speed and defense. If his hot offensive streak extends, he could even supplant Grichuk eventually, or take over in left if injury befalls Holliday.

They are not going to pay a lot to re-acquire Bourjos’ services, but then no one is likely to be paying a lot. But how about someone like soon-to-be 25-year old righty Trey Nielsen? The former 3rd baseman and TJ surgery survivor has a shot to be a big league bullpen piece, maybe as soon as 2017.

Next: BOURJOS JOINS THE TRIBE

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