Player Profile: Brian Bogusevic
Brian Bogusevic split time between Houston and AAA Oklahoma City in 2011. The speedy outfielder had a .287/.348/.457 slash line and four homers in 182 plate appearances with the big club. Originally drafted in the first round of the 2005 draft as a pitcher, Bogusevic made the transition to the outfield in 2008. Bogusevic continues to work on his game and is currently playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic.
Bogusevic broke camp with the Astros in 2011 but saw limited action early in the season. Teammate Jason Bourgeois, a player with a very similar skill set to that of Bogusevic, got off to a hot start and effectively stole playing time from Bogey. Brian would get his chance later in the season and found his stroke in the month of August. In 68 August at-bats Bogusevic posted a nifty .338/.395/.632 line that included all four of his homeruns. On August 16th Bogusevic provided Astros fans an unforgettable moment in an otherwise forgettable season. Bogey came in to pinch hit with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the bases loaded. Houston trailed the Cubs 5-2 and Astros killer Carlos Marmol was on the mound. Bogusevic crushed a 2-2 offering from Marmol over the left-centerfield wall giving the Astros an unlikely 6-5 victory. The walkoff blast is up for a GIBBY award. You can see the video and cast your vote here.
Bogusevic’s late season power surge may have vaulted him ahead of Bourgeois on the depth chart. The Astros offense lacks extra-base punch, which is something Bourgeois does not provide. Bogusevic has the arm strength needed for a right-fielder but has been used sparingly against left-handed pitching. Bogey had only 15 plate appearances against southpaws last season, so a platoon in RF is a definite possibility. Other outfielders in the mix include off-season additions Travis Buck, Brad Snyder, and Nick Stavinoha.