Michael Bourn is still seeking an employer and the offseason is quickly coming to a close. Will the Atlanta Braves make a push to get their former center fielder back to Georgia?
According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Braves' general manager, Frank Wren, was in touch with Bourn's agent, Scott Boras. Contracts weren't discussed, but why would these two talk if the Braves weren't at least somewhat interested in resigning Bourn?
The Braves have enough money left over to acquire a free agent on the market. However, Boras, who is infamous for getting his clients big paydays, is seeking a multi-year deal that would get Bourn around $17 million per year. The Braves already used a chunk of their free money to acquire B.J. Upton, they don't have $17 million per season to spare on Bourn.
Wren and the Braves are keeping the possibility open only if the price goes down. Apparently, no team is willing to play that much for Bourn who, though a consistent player, recently just turned 30. Bourn's game is about speed, which isn't too attractive in the long run since his legs will eventually give in.
In the immediate future, the Braves need speed and Bourn would give them a traditional leadoff hitter. He's speedy, he makes contact and he can cover ground, which pitchers love. Rumors swirled of Fredi Gonzalez getting in touch with Bourn and telling his former player how important he was to success of the organization.
In a year where the Braves finished 94-68, Bourn showed an unusual burst of power. No, he didn't finish with 20 home runs, but the nine Bourn smacked in 2012 surpassed the seven home runs he hit from 2009-2011.
The Braves could really use the help at the top of the lineup since they have enough bats to fill out the middle of their batting order. Upton possesses too much power to be placed in the leadoff spot and he is vulnerable to the strikeout, which dismisses him as a candidate for the second hole.
If Bourn comes at the right price, the speedy left-handed hitter might find himself wearing a jersey with a tomahawk in 2013.
Should the Braves take a hack at resigning Bourn or should they save their money for another player?
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