The Book on Michael Bourn

Prospect Info

---

Michael Bourn
Born 12/27/1982
OF, HOU

Since Philadelphia already had another burner in Shane Victorino, Bourn was deemed expendable and shipped back to his hometown Astros as part of the Brad Lidge deal. Bourn, who may be even faster than Victorino, batted .277 as a Phils rookie, stealing 18 bases in 19 tries.

While Bourn has played in more than 120 major league games for the Phillies in 2006 and 2007, he was used almost exclusively as a late-inning defensive sub or pinch runner, which means he freakishly remains under the 130ab limit for Major League Rookies.

He has little power and has not yet shown enough patience at the plate to reach base at a high clip, but the roster-depleted Astros will give him every chance to win and hold the everyday centerfield job in 2008 anyway. If he manages to get his OBP up to respectable levels, he could be among the league leaders in steals as a result of the extended playing time.

---

Player Updates and Notes

Houston is sticking with Bourn, even though the fleet outfielder has struggled to hit .200 this season. This might be read as a sign of faith from the Astros front office, or a grim acknowledgment that the team has few other options ready for MLB play.

5/20/2008 by KDaddy

---

Bourn has been hot so far this spring, impressing coaches with aggressive but smart baserunning and a better than expected bat.

3/8/2008 by KDaddy

---

Bourn has been pencilled in as the Astros starting center fielder and leadoff hitter for 2008, according to SI.

11/16/2007 by DataBoy

---

 

Back to List