Last week, the Texas Rangers indicated they were happy with
the current makeup of their team, including their outfield. Following Nelson
Cruz’s ties to the south Florida performance-enhancing drug scandal and the
potential suspension that could result, Buster Olney of ESPN wonders if the
Rangers will now pursue free agent center fielder Michael Bourn.
TEX determined that their OF was mostly for the spring. But in light of Cruz allegation, you wonder if they'll now pursue Michael Bourn.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 30, 2013
It was reported yesterday that the Rangers were not
interested in adding Bourn on the four- or five-year commitment he’s seeking.
However, Texas may be willing to sign the free agent to a shorter-term contract
if Bourn would be willing to accept.
On Bourn’s part, we found out that he and agent Scott Boras may be interested in a short-term contract if it includes an opt-out clause
that, if exercised, would allow him to hit free agency again next season.
Both Cruz and David Murphy are in the final year of their
contract with the Rangers. For this reason, Texas could sign Bourn, use him in
center field for 2013, and then slide him or Leonys Martin into a corner
outfield spot to replace Cruz or Murphy.
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