Mets News: Latest on Michael Bourn (It’s New, we Promise)

UPDATE: 3:25 PM –

Here’s what Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports had to say on the recent developments:

"One source with knowledge of the discussions said the team stands a “decent” chance of winning its argument that its first-round choice should be protected."

…Further down in the article, Rosenthal listed four teams besides the Mets who, in his words, “could be fits” for Bourn.  The teams Rosenthal mentioned were the Cubs, Indians, Rangers, and Mariners.  There is nothing in Rosenthal’s report suggesting that any of those four teams are interested in and/or actively pursuing Bourn.  They may be (as might other teams no one is thinking of), but it’s not stated in Rosenthal’s piece.

As Rosenthal mentions, the Indians probably can’t afford Bourn.  The Rangers have been stating for weeks that they’re not in (they could be lying, but that’s their public stance). The Mariners would have to forfeit their first round pick (12th overall) if they signed Bourn.  So, that seems to leave the Cubs as the alternative destination that makes the most sense.

For now, we’ll continue to wait.

UPDATE: 12:50 PM –

Adam Rubin confirms Cafardo’s report, and states the following:

"Major League Baseball and the Players’ Association have engaged in preliminary talks about whether the Mets’ 11th overall pick in the draft ought to be protected if they sign free agent Michael Bourn.  “Inquiring/position nature at this point in time,” one source described the level of conversation.Another source familiar with the dialogue said it had been superficial — not the type of substantive conversation that would take place prior to some type of grievance procedure."

ORIGINAL POST:

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe recently tweeted the following:

Sep 22, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder

(24) scores during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Braves defeated the Phillies 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

"MLBPA executive counsel David Prouty said he has been in talks with MLB through the Mets on the Michael Bourn saga."

…Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reported yesterday on Twitter that there were currently “no discussions” between the union and the league regarding the draft pick compensation issue.

If Cafardo is accurate, Martino’s source was either incorrect, or the contact between the players association and the league on behalf of the Mets is something that happened either late last night or today.

The supposed contact between the players association and the league regarding Bourn could be as simple as the Mets putting out feelers to see what the outcome might be, or as serious as the union reaching out because the Mets and Bourn are close to agreeing on the parameters of a potential deal.  Hopefully we get some clarification as the day goes on.

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