The Angels recalled Peter Bourjos this week to be their everyday center fielder, a much needed move as the club moves forward. As Mat Gleason noted in his analysis of the move, the Angels recent acquisitions of Dan Haren and Alberto Callaspo will help in 2011 more than 2010, and the Bourjos move is another forward-thinking move.
↵Per Cot’s Baseball Contracts, the Angels have $81.6 million committed to just nine players:
↵Hunter: $18 million
↵Haren: $12.75 million
↵Kazmir: $12 million
↵Abreu: $9 million
↵Pineiro: $8 million
↵Santana: $8 million
↵Rodney: $5.5 million
↵Rivera: $5.25 million
↵Izturis $3.1 million
In addition, they have a $9 million option on Brian Fuentes, and arbitration raises for Jered Weaver, Mike Napoli, Kendry Morales, Erick Aybar, Howie Kendrick, Jeff Mathis, Alberto Callaspo, and perhaps Reggie Willits and Kevin Frandsen.
↵With a rising payroll, the Angels need as many productive players making at or near the league minimum salary as possible going forward. Bourjos fits that bill.