Giants Players for Michael Bourn in 2013: Report

Not to get ahead of ourselves here -- after all, there's an entire second half of 2012 to play -- but there's already a report that the Giants are likely to pursue free-agent-to-be centerfielder Michael Bourn.

That's according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, who writes that there are "no current talks" between Atlanta and Bourn to lock him down on a longer deal, and had that confirmed by Bourn himself in Kansas City for the All-Star Game.

"Not right now," Bourn said when asked about contract talks.

He was equally as loquacious when asked about his feelings towards the city of Atlanta.

"It's cool,'' he said.

Would Bourn make sense as a member of the Giants? Absolutely -- this guy isn't cheesy Matt Damon jokes thrown your way. He's also a terror on the basepaths, averaging 50 steals a year over the past three years ... including his half season in 2012. His OBP over that time is .351, he's batted .287 and he's averaged more triples (8) than home runs (4) per year in that span.

You think a really fast dude who already has hits more triples than homers would fit well in AT&T Park? He would. Bourn's 29, so there's some concern about him slowing down. But Heyman offers an interesting comp: "a young Johnny Damon."

Damon signed for $52 million over four years with the Yankees before the 2006 season. That was seven years ago so the money won't be exact. Damon was also 32, so he was much older.

Bourn's still got an entire second half of baseball to pump up the value of his contract, of course. But it might behoove Giants to at least start checking in on the speedy Atlanta outfielder. You know, just in case.

Contact Us