San Francisco Giants Showing Interest In BJ Upton, Michael Bourn?

Although CSN’s Andrew Baggarly has reported that the San Francisco Giants feel confident in their hopes to retain outfielder Angel Pagan, that doesn’t mean the orange and black are putting all their eggs in one basket.

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.