Michael Bourn to the Indians per Jon Heyman and Ken Rosenthal

[WhiteSox5187]

Jon Heyman and Ken Rosenthal on Twitter report that the Indians and Michael Bourn agree to a four year $48 million with a vesting option for $12 million for a fifth if he gets 550 plate appearances in the last year.

[blandman]

Originally Posted by WhiteSox5187

Jon Heyman and Ken Rosenthal on Twitter report that the Indians and Michael Bourn agree to a four year $48 million with a vesting option for $12 million for a fifth if he gets 550 plate appearances in the last year.

Not that I think the Indians are better than us (they're not), anything that makes a division opponent harder makes that wild card option less and less likely.

We could have REALLY used him. The contract is downright robbery.

[Domeshot17]

Originally Posted by blandman

Not that I think the Indians are better than us (they're not), anything that makes a division opponent harder makes that wild card option less and less likely.

We could have REALLY used him. The contract is downright robbery.

I dont know, I like Bourn, but I dont think hes worth 12 mil per. I mean, thats about what Rios makes and Rios > Bourn. He will make the Indians better.

[blandman]

Originally Posted by Domeshot17

I dont know, I like Bourn, but I dont think hes worth 12 mil per. I mean, thats about what Rios makes and Rios > Bourn. He will make the Indians better.

I don't think Rios is better than Bourne. Rios had some better seasons, but he's inconsistent. And Bourn's a different player. One of the best leadoff guys in the game, and a defensive wizard in center.

I'd probably rather have Bourn. But having one and not the other isn't what I meant either. I'd love to have Bourn in center and Rios in right with a platoon in left. That's an outfield that would have went a long way to helping us compete. I'm not sure there's a guy out there now that'll realistically put us in the equation.

[Domeshot17]

Originally Posted by blandman

I don't think Rios is better than Bourne. Rios had some better seasons, but he's inconsistent. And Bourn's a different player. One of the best leadoff guys in the game, and a defensive wizard in center.

I'd probably rather have Bourn. But having one and not the other isn't what I meant either. I'd love to have Bourn in center and Rios in right with a platoon in left. That's an outfield that would have went a long way to helping us compete. I'm not sure there's a guy out there now that'll realistically put us in the equation.

I think we can compete, but its the same formula we always have. Last year we built a 75 win team and it maxed out and won 84 games, I dont think that team could possibly have won 88, they far over achieved. Now we are starting with a base team that would win 82-85 games, so winning 90 is unlikely but possible. IF we do that and something happens in Detroit, we could compete.

[kittle42]

You guys would want another guy in the lineup striking out 140+ times a season? We'd never hear the end of it.

[Noneck]

I wonder if the Sox are even dealing with boras.

[blandman]

Originally Posted by kittle42

You guys would want another guy in the lineup striking out 140+ times a season? We'd never hear the end of it.

Who cares if he's leading off and hitting over .300?

[mzh]

Originally Posted by blandman

Who cares if he's leading off and hitting over .300?

Yes. And stealing 60 bases and playing GG center field.

Strikeouts aren't bad if you can compensate by being competent at more than one facet of the game.

[Lip Man 1]

Noneck:

History shows they try not to unless absolutely necessary.

Lip

[ComiskeyBrewer]

Originally Posted by mzh

Yes. And stealing 60 bases and playing GG center field.

Strikeouts aren't bad if you can compensate by being competent at more than one facet of the game.

The thing is, he only stole 42 bases last year(a drop off of almost 20 from the previous year) and was caught 13 times. Now, is that an abberation, or has he lost a step? That is something we will find out this season. 12 million is a lot for a .730 OPS with no power and good, but not great base stealing ability. If he returns to his previous numbers of 50-60 SB, it seems like an OK deal to me.

[102605]

I think the Indians are a sleeper AL Central team. I would not be surprised if they beat the White Sox for 2nd place..

[blandman]

Originally Posted by Domeshot17

I think we can compete, but its the same formula we always have. Last year we built a 75 win team and it maxed out and won 84 games, I dont think that team could possibly have won 88, they far over achieved. Now we are starting with a base team that would win 82-85 games, so winning 90 is unlikely but possible. IF we do that and something happens in Detroit, we could compete.

I don't share your opinion that the base of this team is that good, if for no other reason than games within our division are going to be a lot harder to win this year.

[blandman]

Originally Posted by 102605

I think the Indians are a sleeper AL Central team. I would not be surprised if they beat the White Sox for 2nd place..

They don't have the pitching. They've made a few curious signings (Bourn, Swisher) that you'd expect a contending team only to make. They must share your opinion.

[blandman]

Originally Posted by ComiskeyBrewer

The thing is, he only stole 42 bases last year(a drop off of almost 20 from the previous year) and was caught 13 times. Now, is that an abberation, or has he lost a step? That is something we will find out this season. 12 million is a lot for a .730 OPS with no power and good, but not great base stealing ability. If he returns to his previous numbers of 50-60 SB, it seems like an OK deal to me.

He could steal 30 bases a year for the duration of that contract and as long as he still hits over .300 he's worth it. $12 million is not a lot for a leadoff guy. There's so few good ones right now.