Former Phillies OF Peter Bourjos signs with White Sox

By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor

Even if it feels lke a lifetime ago, it was just this past season that 29-year-old outfielder Peter Bourjos played 123 games for the Phillies, much of which came in the form of starts in right field. The versatile fielder wasn't retained by the Phillies after the 2016 season, but Friday night he found a new home. 

According to Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune, the 29-year-old signed a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training with the Chicago White Sox Friday: 

The White Sox have signed outfielder Peter Bourjos to a minor-league deal, sources say. 7-year ML veteran gets invite to spring training.

— Colleen Kane (@ChiTribKane) January 27, 2017

Bourjos' lone season with the Phillies was a mixed bag, as he slashed .251/.292/.389 with five home runs and 23 RBIs. Bourjos did display a ton of versatility in the field, but at times his lack of hitting overshadowed his great ability to read fly balls in the outfield. In April in May, when he hit .164 and .230 respectively, he didn't seem like a starter. In June, when he hit .410, in addition to his Gold Glove caliber fielder, Bourjos seemed like a piece that could draw trade interest. 

Bourjos stands a chance to make the White Sox Opening Day roster after the team traded Adam Eaton to the Washington Nationals this offseason. Whether he plays regularly or ends up being designated for assignment at some point during the season will largely depend on whether he can display consistency at the plate.