Cleveland lands Bourn

Free agent center fielder Michael Bourn and the Cleveland Indians have agreed to a four-year deal, worth a total of $48 million. The deal also includes an option for a fifth year, if Bourn is able to reach 550 at bats during the 2016 season, that option is worth $12 million, if that happens. Bourn was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2003 MLB draft, in the fourth round, he was picked no.115 overall. He spent two seasons with the Phillies in 2006 and the 2007 season. The Phillies ended up trading Bourn to his hometown team the Houston Astros, on November 7, 2007 for  closer Brad Lidge and infielder Eric Bruntlett.

He would play for the Astros from 2008 and for half of the 2011 season, until being traded to the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Jordan Schafer, pitcher Brett Oberholtzer, pitcher Paul Clemens, and pitcher Juan Abreu. Bourn has been a two time All-Star for the National League, in 2010 and 2012. He's a two-time Gold Glove winner in 2009, and the 2010 season. He's also lead in NL in stolen bases for three seasons: 2009, 2010, and 2011. Also, in 2011 he was the MLB stolen bases champion, leading both leagues in stolen bases with 61.

What does Bourn add to the Cleveland Indians team? He can be their lead off batter in their line up, he also adds speed to their team, along with defense in center field. So far, for Bourn's seven years in the MLB, his career stats are: batting average 272, hits 820, 22 home runs, 215 rbi's, 276 stolen bases, and has played in 871 career games. He doesn't have much home run power, but last season he had a career high for home runs with 9 home runs on the season. For the 2012 season while with the Braves, Bourn hit 274, with 9 home runs, 57 rbi's, and 42 stolen bases in 155 games. Bourn also walked 70 times, his most walks during a season, breaking 63 walks from the 2009 season with the Houston Astros. Even though the Indians overpaid for Bourn, he should help them improve in 2013.