The Oakland Athletics have been the top mentioned team in the Rafael Furcal "sweepstakes," with the Dodgers considered an outside shot to ink the shortstop. No one had really considered the Braves -- especially given their obsession with Jake Peavy -- likely to land the former Atlanta All Star, but that's the word coming from the ATL.The Braves appear to be on the verge of bringing back shortstop Rafael Furcal, a move that could be the precursor to a trade for a starting pitcher.And there's a really strong chance that this move could signal PEAVY TIME in Atlanta -- it makes either Kelly Johnson or Yunel Escobar more or less expendable (at least until Raffy gets injured midway through April).
FoxSports.com reported early today that Furcal, a free agent and former Braves standout, has agreed to return to Atlanta on a three-year contract that could be announced as soon as he passes a physical. He missed much of last season with back problems.
See, the Padres don't really want Johnson; they have their eyes set on Escobar by all accounts. Bringing in Raffy and then using Escobar plus some other package of prospects would bring the Braves Peavy back and all of sudden make Frank Wren look a lot less incompetent than he currently does. Of course, if no big deal for a pitcher happens, and Furcal can't stay healthy, or this deal exceeds what the A's were offering, things could get awkward.
Hot Stove Movers and Shakers
Dec. 16: In a surprise move, shortstop Rafael Furcal is reportedly close to a three-year deal that would bring him back to Atlanta, where he first broke into the big leagues.
Mark J. Terrill, AP
Dec. 16: In need of outfield depth with Jim Edmonds gone and Kosuke Fukudome's future uncertain, the Cubs agree to terms with speedster Joey Gathright.
Jamie Squire, Getty Images
Dec. 15: The Phillies get a key piece of their title-winning rotation back, signing 46-year-old Jamie Moyer to a two-year deal.
Ben Smidt, Pool / Getty Images
Dec. 15: After enduring a revolving door at the shortstop position last season, the Orioles ink slick-fielding Cesar Izturis on a two-year contract.
Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images
Dec. 15: The Astros sign outfielder Jason Michaels to a one-year deal.
Doug Pensinger, Getty Images
Dec. 15: In need of a shortstop to split time with Ramon Santiago after letting Edgar Renteria go, the Tigers sign defensive wizard Adam Everett to a one-year deal worth $1 million.
Doug Pensinger, Getty Images
Dec. 13: After spending his entire career with the Cubs, Kerry Wood inks a two-year deal to become the Indians' closer.
Jamie Squire, Getty Images
Dec. 13: After trading a pair of relievers earlier in the offseason, the Royals make a depth signing for their bullpen by adding Kyle Farnsworth.
Jim McIsaac, Getty Images
Dec. 13: The Rockies make a play for a veteran left-hander, signing reliever Alan Embree to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million.
Ben Margot, AP
Dec. 12: Just days after getting CC Sabathia, the Yankees further bolster their rotation by reaching an agreement with right-hander A.J. Burnett on a $82.5 million, five-year contract.
Mike Carlson, Canadian Press / AP
On the whole though, provided the contract isn't obscene, seems like a good deal; yes, Furcal is aging, but when he's healthy, he's one of the best defensive shortstops in the league and is a tremendous table setter at the top of a lineup.
UPDATE: NED COLLETTI THINKS RAFFY IS STILL AVAILABLE
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-16-2008 @ 3:27PM
Fred said...
If he passes the physical he'll still get hurt, thus doing the same thing he did with LA.
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12-16-2008 @ 7:13PM
joe johnson said...
furcal should take the contract the contract. The dodgers do not care about thier fans. The Dodgers draw close to 4 million fans per year and always make money and could care less about winning the championship. That dodger blue experience about coming to the ballpark and paying $15 dollars to park is a bunch of bull! The dodgers just pimped Manny for the the 2008 season for the revenues. 20 years without a championship run is ridiculous in a city and market as large as Los angeles. Im a california native and I'm appalled.
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