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« Orioles Sign Hennessey | Main | Jake Peavy Rumors: Monday »
Rafael Furcal Rumors: Monday
8:04pm: Furcal is "shocked and excited" about possible interest from the Braves, though Yunel Escobar would have to be traded first. Furcal already has a three-year, $39MM offer on the table from an unknown team. Kinzer says it might be a few weeks before his client signs.
MLB.com's Chris Haft says the Giants are also considering Orlando Cabrera and Edgar Renteria as shortstop options. However, those players might cost the Giants their second-round draft pick (Furcal wouldn't). The Giants are also still pondering making a play for one of the Big Three free agents, according to Jon Heyman.
1:26pm: Mychael Urban of MLB.com talked to Rafael Furcal's agent Paul Kinzer this morning. Kinzer says six teams have contacted him about Furcal since free agency opened Friday. The A's have yet to make an offer, but Kinzer's comments imply that the Giants might have. Both teams have very strong interest in the 31 year-old shortstop, who could sign before the winter meetings. When asked about the reported four-year, $40MM demand for Furcal, Kinzer said it was in the ballpark.
It's hard to peg the other four suitors, but the Cubs, Blue Jays, and Orioles are possibilities. The Cardinals and Dodgers may be out, while the Royals, Tigers, and Dodgers may balk at the salary or term. Presumably the Braves are backing off given the state of the Jake Peavy talks. Kinzer and Furcal will narrow it down to three teams soon.
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Did the Dodgers officially pull out?
Why wouldn't they be among his suitors?
Posted by: Kenan and Kel | November 17, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Because they still have Chin-Lung Hu. He didn't show much with the bat in 65 games last season, but he's very solid defensively.
He did hit .307 in AAA and .284 in AA.
Posted by: Ink&Paper | November 17, 2008 at 01:33 PM
God, four years at $40M for a SS sounds so much better than 4 years at $44M for an average LF.
That Guillen deal has to nag at Dayton Moore everyday. Not that it wasn't necessary, just it hasn't panned out yet?
Posted by: basicslop | November 17, 2008 at 01:37 PM
So a week ago they wanted to re-sign Furcal and now they're ok with Hu as their starting SS?
Doubt it
Posted by: Kenan and Kel | November 17, 2008 at 01:38 PM
i would much rather have the giants trade sanchez for hardy if it were possible...no need for another injury prone SS...plus furcal does not have enough power...burris could turn into furcal in a couple of seasons
Posted by: SF in 2010 | November 17, 2008 at 01:38 PM
*SIGH* Oh Giants, when will you learn?
Posted by: DawgFight24 | November 17, 2008 at 01:43 PM
I dont think it's Hu, I believe I read they want to sign Cabrera. Putting all the reports together I think the Dodgers don't want to go past two years for Furcal, that's why he hit the open market. Presumably some team will do that.
Posted by: Tim Dierkes | November 17, 2008 at 01:43 PM
How are the A's battling the Giants if they have not yet made an offer ?
Posted by: BaseBallz | November 17, 2008 at 01:45 PM
For the love of God please tell me the Dodgers will not sign Orlando Cabrera.
He will likely want two years $15 to $20 million...
He is a mediocre offensive player with no power and a career .322 OBP...
Hu is a top shelf defensive player and batting 8th, how much worse could his OBP be?
Posted by: MikeClarke | November 17, 2008 at 01:55 PM
An official offer doesn't need to be made for a team to be a contender in signing him...
I would LOVE this lineup in Oakland next year...
Furcal
Sweeney
Cust
Holliday
Giambi
Suzuki
Chavez
Ellis
Buck
Posted by: WestCoastBias | November 17, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Honestly though this deal is a lot better than recent ideas by Sabes. Furcal could be a "buy low" (loosely termed) in that if healthy, the guy can be a top five SS. I think Orlando Cabrera is much more Sabean style.
I think Furcal is a great deal wherever he lands.
Posted by: CubbyFan23 | November 17, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Tim, is there anyone the Dodgers do want to go past two years on?
And MikeClarke, I agree. If no Furcal, which looks like it will be the case, they should just go young there, instead of signing someone for a lot of money on someone like Cabrera, who won't offer much more production anyways.
Posted by: cheba63 | November 17, 2008 at 02:00 PM
"I think Furcal is a great deal wherever he lands."
I disagree, he is going to get a pretty big deal, and is a pretty big injury concern. Pretty big risk, IMO.
Posted by: cheba63 | November 17, 2008 at 02:02 PM
SS Furcal
CF Sweeney
DH Cust
LF Holliday
3B/1B/DH Chavez
C Suzuki
RF Buck
2B Ellis
1B Barton
I can live with that lineup, especially if Barton and Ellis can at least hit league average.
I really don't see the A's going after Giambi. There won't be any more money to spend after signing Holliday and Furcal. Barton is cheap. Maybe he can bounce back and find his swing.
Posted by: green_and_gold | November 17, 2008 at 02:12 PM
I don't want to see the A's give Furcal a 4 year deal.
Please no.
This has red flags written all over it. Furcal and Chavez on the DL is really going to hurt the team. Please no.
Posted by: melonis rex | November 17, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I would think a 3 year deal is all Billy Beane will stretch it to. If the Giants offer him 4 years, he'll probably sign.
Posted by: dtownmbrown | November 17, 2008 at 02:47 PM
This all comes down to whether the doctors think his back injury will recur, as it did in 2008 after a brief DL stint in 2007. If he's healthy, he's a solid buy at 4 yrs, $10M per year.
The Giants have nothing in their system at SS. If they can get Furcal at that price and he's healthy, that's a solid signing.
Posted by: ColonelTom | November 17, 2008 at 02:47 PM
A's really don't need Giambi - especially at that high of a price. They already have Cust at DH & Barton at 1B. They could use Furcal though. I know it's a bit of a risk, but I'd like to see that signing.
Posted by: drphonic7 | November 17, 2008 at 02:53 PM
does anyone here think the giants could get hardy for sanchez and maybe a prospect?
Posted by: SF in 2010 | November 17, 2008 at 03:01 PM
i don't see sanchez as being enough for hardy straight up imo.. also, i don't see my o's overpaying for furcal despite the dire need for shortstop... the blue jays seem like the best fit
Posted by: #1O'sfan | November 17, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Well, if Furcal is choosing between the A's and Giants, I think the A's potential to win next year with the addition of Holliday will impact his decision
Posted by: OaklandOwns | November 17, 2008 at 03:40 PM
I would love for the Mariners to make an offer... It's not often that a SS of Furcal's caliber hits the free agent market, and only commands 4/40...
Posted by: baseballismylyf4 | November 17, 2008 at 04:04 PM
4 years at $40 million seems like a steal to me.. I don't see why the Indians don't jump on him. They need middle infielder and the fact that he can bat leadoff is a big bonus too..
Posted by: GoTribe | November 17, 2008 at 04:24 PM
I'm fine with the Giants slightly overpaying for Furcal. How much value do you place on not giving up draft picks, even though we have a protected first round.
notice key word slightly.. 4yrs 35mil? Bonuses for Performance..
Posted by: GiantsBob | November 17, 2008 at 04:25 PM
I like this potential signing, but it would be just one of two potential hitters the giants will need to add to be competitve. Just like affeldt was one of two vet. relievers the giants need to add. In the same way the Giants will still pursure cruz/howry/beimel/weathers they should also look at another infield bat via trade or free agency: dunn/tex/prince/uggla are possibilities.
Posted by: Leland11 | November 17, 2008 at 04:57 PM
furcal is potentially a steal the giants should sign him without a doubt. the farm is weak at ss and burris suits well at 2nd plus he'll have some competition with frandsen if they can bring in a 3B (Beltre). He might be a good candidate to try to do less years for more money because if he plays a full season he would probably be worth an million or million or two. Do it Sabean.
Posted by: SFg49w | November 17, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Why wouldnt Dodgers sign him unless his back is REALLY messed up?
Posted by: ladodgermaniac | November 17, 2008 at 06:48 PM
This is a tough one, Furcal is has to much upside to pass up. I think Manny Burriss could be the future at SS but needs more time to develop. If they bring in Furcal now, he may never get the chance and will supplant Kevin Frandsen at 2nd. I'm a huge Frandsen fan and would love to see him get a chance as well.
That said, Furcal at 4/40 is too good to pass up. Don't get into a bidding war but for the right price, he shores up the defense up the middle, gives a great bat in either the 1 or 2 spot, and the ballpark plays well to him.
He may not be the power bat they need but they still have money to spend and could concievably make a deal to free up some more.
I guess, get it done Sabean, just please don't break the bank
Posted by: Longing for Manny...Burriss that is!!! | November 17, 2008 at 06:51 PM
If SF's offer is in the ballpark of 4/40 then the A's should offer a 3/35 with an option for 2012. No more then 3 guaranteed years for Furcal. When it was said he wanted four years and $15 million per it was a little scary. 10-12mil a season is much better. Also, don't be suprised if Beane adds Furcal, then a guy like Dunn on top of that. Barton can easily be sent to AAA or packaged in a deal for a 3B. Dunn wouldn't be great with the glove at first but would be better then Giambi and more productive IMO. If the
A's were to sign Furcal at $12 million a season and deal Crosby for a little salary relief, their payroll would be in the ballpark of $60 million. Beane has said he plans on going with the young guys in the rotation, so they could easily sign Dunn for $15mil a season and run this lineup out:
Furcal SS
Sweeney CF
Cust DH
Holliday LF
Dunn 1B
Chavez 3B
Suzuki C
Buck RF
Ellis 2B
I would like to put a few of these guys in other slots, but the A's will be LH heavy again so they'll need to avoid batting 3 lefties in a row. Regardless, this will be a lineup that will score runs.
Posted by: jpshark | November 17, 2008 at 07:24 PM
I hope the Cubs come in and sweep him up. I know Hendry likes Furcal, he went after him 3 years ago very hard and actually thought he had him.
Posted by: uww1 | November 17, 2008 at 07:39 PM
There is no way that the A's should sign Dunn. I don't know why so many people are saying this.
We already have a younger, cheaper version of Dunn in Jack Cust. He has improved over last year and would see a lot of good pitches to hit if he hit third, in front of Holliday. We don't need another hitter with a lot of stikeouts. We need hitters that put the ball in play, and right handed.
Besides, 15 million for a guy that doesn't even like playing baseball is too much money.
Posted by: green_and_gold | November 17, 2008 at 07:59 PM
"We already have a younger, cheaper version of Dunn in Jack Cust. He has improved over last year and would see a lot of good pitches to hit if he hit third, in front of Holliday. We don't need another hitter with a lot of stikeouts. We need hitters that put the ball in play, and right handed.
Besides, 15 million for a guy that doesn't even like playing baseball is too much money. "
Agreed on the A's have Cust and don't need ANY DH type, whether it be Giambi, Dunn, Burrell, etc.
Don't buy the JP Riccardi BS. Nobody can know for sure whether Adam Dunn likes playing baseball, but he is damn good at it.
Posted by: melonis rex | November 17, 2008 at 08:18 PM
offer 3 yr 39 mil from the Cubs?
Posted by: uww1 | November 17, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Possibly the Giants..
Posted by: 55saveslives | November 17, 2008 at 08:31 PM
well if that ain't burying the lead. A mystery team at $39M for three years? That sounds like money the Blue Jays would have after AJ turned them down.
The less years same money part sounds kind of KC'ish.
But that's just me.
Posted by: basicslop | November 17, 2008 at 08:33 PM
No, $15 million for a guy who hit 40 HR's and posted OPS's of .388, .387, .386 and .386 over the past 4 seasons is about what he deserves. Yes, his numbers will regress some after moving to the AL and a hitters park, but with a solid lineup around him he will be absolutely no worse then Jack Cust. Regardless of the K's Cust is a very productive player, and keep in mind he was a "lightning in a bottle" type aquisition for Beane. Just because the A's have a guy who suprised some people and is making well under market value doesn't mean we shouldn't sign a similar player at market value. The A's got lucky with Cust as teams usually pay good money for 30+ HR types. I understand wanting more RH pop, but the A's got Holliday so at this point any productive slugger would be a good addition for the A's offense.
Posted by: jpshark | November 17, 2008 at 08:34 PM
*OBP's of .388, .387, .386 and .386.....not OPS's sorry.
Posted by: jpshark | November 17, 2008 at 08:38 PM
I like a healthy Furcal a lot, and wish the Cubs would sign him (tho I don't think it's going to happen). But I can't understand why the Braves would be interested when they already have such a fine young shortstop in Escobar. And one who makes near the minimum too. It just makes no sense to me.
Posted by: rememberthecoop | November 17, 2008 at 08:38 PM
3/39 is slot for furcal, I hope Sabean doesn't go much higher. And no way to Hudson or renteria, not for a draft pick. They are better off with Burriss/ Frandsen at ss/2b and trading for beltre. If the Braves sign Furcal, can the Giants swing Escobar for Sanchez somehow?
Posted by: Longing for Manny...Burriss that is!!! | November 17, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Braves sign Furcal and then trade Escobar to St. Louis?
Posted by: Cardsfan387 | November 17, 2008 at 09:17 PM
jimmie the only two players we will listen about are lincecum and cain so i dont see anything there
Posted by: bravesfan22193 | November 17, 2008 at 09:20 PM
cardsfan id be more interested in something like kelly johnson and a prospect for ludwick. put furcal at second?
Posted by: bravesfan22193 | November 17, 2008 at 09:21 PM
As a Braves fan I wonder if Escobar really has fallen out of favor with Cox and Wren. The fact that we have had "multiple conversations" with Furcal's agent makes me think that we are going to be shopping Yunel to other teams and not just the Padres. Regardless, spending 13 mil per season on Furcal is not the best use of our money this offseason.
http://www.whensidslid.com
Posted by: garriscp | November 17, 2008 at 09:23 PM
NO to Rafael Furcal
Signing C.C. Sabthia, would start a chain of events similar to this for the SF Giants,
1) Sign Sabathia
2) Trade Cain to Atlanta for Yunel Escobar, Gorkys Hernandez, Blaine Boyer and Charlie Morton.
3) Trade Lowry and / or Rowland (We need to dump Rowlands salary) with two prospects (6th thru 10th rated) to Seattle for Adrian Beltre.
4) Sign two more relief pitchers. (Howry / Beimel)
2009 Line up would be as follows:
Yunel Escobar SS
Randy Winn CF
Fred Lewis LF
Adrian Beltre 3B
Pablo Sandoval 1B
Nate Schierholtz RF
Bengie Molina C
Emmanuel Burriss 2B
T Lincecum
C.C. Sabthia
B. Zito
J. Sanchez
B. Boyer / C. Morton /
We should end up with a YOUNGER, FASTER AND BETTER DEFENSIVE team that is within payroll expectations without sacrificing the future.
Posted by: CaptBIGdog | November 17, 2008 at 09:25 PM
bigdog, as a braves fan i wouldnt do that. Thats what we were willing to give up for peavy, an established #1.
Posted by: bravesfan22193 | November 17, 2008 at 09:30 PM
With the money the braves saved with cain over peavy, they would not only do it, they would perfer it. Allowing the braves to fill other holes,
Posted by: CaptBIGdog | November 17, 2008 at 09:37 PM
You beat me too it CaptBIGdog...I know the Giants won't trade Cain (as well they shouldn't) but imho he is more valuable than Peavy because of his affordability.
Posted by: Baleen | November 17, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Lowry missed all last season and has no trade value..
If they wanted to dump Beltres salary, they certainly wouldn't pick up 4 yrs 48 mill of Rowand
Posted by: 55saveslives | November 17, 2008 at 09:43 PM
when is cain arbitration eligible? i wouldnt do it but maybe wren would
Posted by: bravesfan22193 | November 17, 2008 at 09:46 PM
peavy has posted a sub 3 era every year except one since the age of 23. I know he pitches in Petco but San Fran is extremely pitcher friendly as well. I think Cain is great and yes cost friendly but the braves have money to spend.
Posted by: bravesfan22193 | November 17, 2008 at 09:52 PM
BF,
Giants bought out Cain's arbitration years...he is under contract at 2.5 mill in 08, 4 mill in 09, and team option 6 mill in '10.
Posted by: 55saveslives | November 17, 2008 at 09:56 PM
If the braves sign furcal what about the twins as a possible trade destination? we have lots of cheap young pitching and a few outfield bats and a great need at SS. Maybe Escobar to the twins?
Posted by: Den_Orath | November 17, 2008 at 10:01 PM
As a Giants fan, 3yr/$40M for Furcal is better than 4yr/$40m. They seem to have a lot of money to spend, and are determined to spend some of it. While I like Furcal, I think he's a huge health risk (and especially in the cold of SF) for anything more than 2 or 3 years max.
Posted by: nostocksjustbonds | November 17, 2008 at 10:06 PM
my only problem is if we have 13 mill per to give Furcal, let's just make it 20 per and give it to Tex instead!
Posted by: 55saveslives | November 17, 2008 at 10:28 PM
i hope that unknown team was cincy...
Posted by: coltholt | November 17, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Braves should sign furcal, move yunel to 2b and trade kelly johnson
Posted by: GoSoX | November 18, 2008 at 07:40 AM
maybe to like St. louis in package for ludwick?
Posted by: GoSoX | November 18, 2008 at 07:41 AM