In an ongoing series, we'll take a look at possible free-agent and trade targets for the Texas Rangers this winter.
Target: Michael Bourn, CF
Type of move: Free agency
2012 stats: .274 batting average, .348 on-base, 10 triples, nine home runs, 57 RBIs, 96 runs, 42 stolen bases in an all-star season with the Atlanta Braves
Bourn would give the Rangers something they haven't had in a good while — a true-blue, bona fide leadoff hitter. The Ian Kinsler-leadoff man marriage is over, and Elvis Andrus could develop into a prototypical leadoff man but probably isn't quite there yet. Bourn would give the Rangers one of the game's top leadoff hitters, who has led the National League in steals three times with a career high of 61 thefts (twice).
In his seven big-league seasons, he also has a career .992 fielding percentage and is one of the game's top centerfielders.
The obstacles here are that the Braves will likely try to re-up Bourn, along with the fact that he's a Scott Boras client, which is a bit of a detraction — like it or not.
