Michael Bourn offers an attractive repertoire of outfield skills in free agent market - MLB Update
Centre fielder Michael Bourn has something attractive in his repertoire to offer in the free agent market. For the same reason, it is being acknowledged by the experts far more openly now that a number of organisations will approach him as the offseason
progresses.
Resultantly, the Atlanta Braves will have great difficulty in making sure that their outfielder stays in the team for the upcoming seasons.
Bourn is one of those players that have improved gradually, reaching the level ultimately where their demand rises immensely.
Brick-by-brick, he brought changes in his skills as an outfielder. Starting as being an ordinary defensive player with equally below par offensive credentials, he is among the top outfield free agents in the market at the moment.
Bourn is so acrobatic when it comes to stopping doubles and stealing singles for the team that he becomes a competitive edge for the club anytime.
Even when he declines offensively, his value for the club does not diminish. He keeps contributing toward victories in one form or the other, either by making fine plays in the field or grabbing unbelievable catches.
What makes retention of Bourn by Atlanta unlikely is the fact that some of the big market clubs require quality outfielders. They can be willing to offer the kind of deal that the Braves may not have the resources to afford.
For example, the Philadelphia Phillies are short of options in the outfield. This, along with the fact that they are h**l-bent to improve next year after their disappointing 2012 regular season makes it easy to believe that they will go all-out to acquire
Bourn in the market.
Although the Phillies are keeping their eyes on other options as well, certainly Bourn can be an answer to most of their concerns.
The Braves have lost their third baseman Chipper Jones as he retired at the end of 2012 season.
This means that apart from trying to woo Bourn into the club, they need to pay attention to their infield requirements. Addressing a number of areas simultaneously will not be a walk in the park for the Braves.
It will be fascinating to observe the developments leading to signing of a contact with Bourn by any of the interested teams.
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