Angels’ Peter Bourjos finds serenity among trade rumors

DETROIT — Peter Bourjos’ name has popped up in trade rumors this month almost as often as the three marquee pitchers believed to be on the block: Cole Hamels, Zack Greinke and Matt Garza. But you will find no egg shells, pins or needles under the feet of the Angels center fielder.

“This is the most relaxed I’ve ever been at the trade deadline because I’ve been through it so many times,” Bourjos said before Monday night’s game against the Detroit Tigers. “Whatever happens, happens. If I’m traded, I’ll go to a team that wants me, that needs me. But hopefully, I can play my whole career here.”

Since Bourjos, then at double-A Arkansas, was among the players the Angels considered sending to Toronto in a potential deal for ace Roy Halladay in July of 2009, he has been mentioned prominently in trade rumors every winter and summer.

Having been displaced by Mike Trout this season after spending 2011 as a starter, Bourjos is viewed by many as expendable, though General Manager Jerry Dipoto has said repeatedly he has no desire to trade the speedy defensive whiz and considers him a key part of the team’s future.

But Bourjos is also coveted by many teams, and if the Angels do pursue a deal for a front-line starting pitcher before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, they most likely will have to build their package around Bourjos.

“I’m hoping to be here, but so many things can change so quickly in this game,” said Bourjos, who is hitting .237 in 135 at-bats. “The Angels could get an offer they can’t refuse, and two weeks from now I could be somewhere else.”

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