Atlanta Braves: 5 Reasons Why Michael Bourn Is Finally Producing as Expected

When the Braves traded for Michael Bourn last year, they were expecting to get the game's premier base stealer.

And, when he got on base, he was exactly that.

But, that was when he got on base.

In his 53 games with Atlanta, Bourn had a .321 on-base percentage, which is the lowest he's had since 2008.

This year, Bourn is batting .330, has a .391 on-base percentage and has seven steals; although, three of his four caught stealings were what I believe missed calls.

Anyways, Bourn is producing at a better rate, and there are five reasons why I believe he is.

Contract Year

When it comes to a contract year, a majority of players perform very well.

Why? Because, in a contract year, they do what they do best.

In Bourn's case, it's getting on base and stealing them.

After this year, Bourn knows he can possibly get a very rich deal, especially with Scott Boras as his agent.

If he continues to put up the numbers he is, I wouldn't be surprised to see some team give him $13 million to $15 million a year.

He's Comfortable

Anytime there's a change of scenery for a player, it can take time for him to adjust.

Just look at Albert Pujols this year. He's struggled so far with the Angels.

Bourn had his struggles beginning with his time in Atlanta last year and in the first week of this season.

But, it seems he's settled into a nice groove and is doing what he's being paid to do—get on base.

Green Light

A good manager gives his speedster the green light to steal whenever he wants to.

It seems like Bourn has that green light, and is only being held back during possible hit-and-run situations, or when there's already a runner on the next base.

By having the green light, Bourn could surpass his career record of 61 steals in a season.

This year, I could see Bourn swiping at least 70 bases.

No Hills in Center Field

While in Houston, Bourn had to deal with Tal's Hill in center field.

Just not having to deal with that stupid hill makes a huge difference in center field.

That allows him to go after fly balls hit deep at a faster pace, only having to worry about the wall, instead of the hill.

Hard Work Pays off

There's an old saying that "hard work pays off."

Bourn is a real student of the game, studying where he's been successful, and learning to take his mistakes and turn them into positives.

No matter what happens in a game, Bourn is constantly finding ways to get better.

Whether it's how to hit pitchers, or trying to figure out their move over to first base, Bourn wants to know how to be a better player.

And, that's what makes him the best base-stealer in the game today.