Prospect #2--Michael Bourn

2. Michael Bourn, CF, Reading, 22
How acquired: Draft 2003, Rd. 4
Percentage chance of playing in the majors in the future: 80%
Ceiling and chances of reaching it: Major League Allstar, 25%
Career Minor League OPS: .855 (.426 OBP)
6/30 Minor league OPS: .751 (.367 OBP)
Comparable major Leaguers: Juan Pierre, Brett Butler
Image(s)(Andrew Woolley pic used by permission (others below the same)):



My comments: Bourn is playing well in Reading after skipping a level--his power and eye seem to be returning in June after a couple of months of adjusting (his stolen base percentage, which has been low for him, has also improved recently). He's a prototypical leadoff hitter, with good speed, a good eye, and occasional gap power. He uses his speed well in the outfield, and has a better than average major league arm. If he finishes the year with an OBP around .380 he's almost a lock to be in Phily by 2007. Bourn on the jump to AA: "I have seen a difference in the pitching, but I think it’s more me than the pitching. I gave the pitchers too much credit in the beginning, but after you see the pitching for a while it’s like I know I can play here. That’s how you have to approach it. The big difference is probably in the fastball. Here, the fastball moves more. They know how to sink it and locate it. You just have to make adjustments. I have to do that here if I want to get to the big leagues.” Reading hitting coach Hal Morris on Bourn's makeup: “One of his greatest assets in his makeup. He has such a strong personality and a great presence about himself that the organization felt that if he did struggle up here he’d be able to withstand those challenges and compete. He’s a joy to work with. He comes out and works hard each day and does the extra work. He loves taking extra bunting. He throws well during infield practice, he has attention to detail, he takes the job very seriously, and at the same time he mingles well with the veteran players and he’s very personable in the clubhouse.”