September 16, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Bourn (24) dives into home safely before the tag by Washington Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki (24) in the seventh inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Earlier this year, before Angel Pagan got out of his early season funk and San Francisco Giants acquired Hunter Pence, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Bourn appeared to be the apple in the eye of the Giants’ front office. There were ideas thrown around of bringing Bourn in via free agency before the Pence acquisition, but those thoughts quickly died down once Pence took any available money away.

However, now with the heavy interest around the league for Angel Pagan’s services, the Giants have apparently re-kindled their desires for Bourn, this according to Jon Heyman:

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Giants have had discussions with the representatives of Michael Bourn, Angel Pagan and Shane Victorino.

There are two ways to look at this – the Giants could actually have legit interest in Bourn (which they probably do, though the extent is unknown) or they could simply be letting Pagan’s “people” know there are other options out there and they’re not willing to put all of their eggs in one basket.

My best guess is they do have some legit interest in Bourn and are simply doing their due diligence, if Pagan was to spurn them for a price they feel to be too outlandish.

June 3, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder BJ Upton (2) hits a 2-RBI double against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-US PRESSWIRE

In the case that Pagan gets an offer he can’t refuse, which isn’t out of the question, the Giants have been quietly calling the agents of other potential free agent outfielders – more likely as a backup plan in case they miss out on Pagan, but a plan regardless of the situation.

In addition to already having contact with the Atlanta Braves’ Michael Bourn, whom the Giants expressed interest in early in the season, the Giants are reportedly going to meet with Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton in the near future:

Free agent CF B.J. Upton, who has visited with the Braves and Phillies, has at least three other teams to talk with, including the Nationals and possibly the Giants. “I’m really blown away by the love other cities are showing me right now,” Upton tweeted. “Can’t wait to see how this pans out.”

As mentioned above, Upton and Bourn are more likely backup plans rather than priorities – and it’s really the Giants doing their due diligence, making sure not to be left with cold turkey if they were to lose out in the Pagan sweepstakes. But still – rumors are rumors, no matter how iffy they might be.