Dodgers Looking For Emergency Shortstop

The Dodgers placed shortstop Rafael Furcal on the DL today, and MLB.com's Ken Gurnick says they're trying to acquire an emergency replacement. Furcal will be eligible to return on May 21st. He's been perhaps the game's best hitting shortstop to date. Perhaps the Rays' Andy Cannizaro would make sense? The Dodgers have been using Chin-lung Hu at short; despite his lack of offense it may be best to just stick with him.

Odds and Ends: Doue, Furcal, Kuroda

Here are today's links. Dave Cameron notes Nelson Cruz's video game numbers in Triple A and suggests he deserves another shot. Japanese catcher Hayato Doue was expected to join the Red Sox organization, but visa problems have gotten in the way. Buster Olney notes that Rafael Furcal will test free agency if he can't hammer out an extension with the Dodgers by midseason. Shigetoshi Hasegawa denies the notion that he pushed Hiroki Kuroda toward the Dodgers. Athletics Nation sees Billy Beane targeting pitcher Tanner Scheppers if he's available with the 12th pick. Also, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com has an overall...

Free Agent Stock Watch: Rafael Furcal

Indicators predicting a big year for Rafael Furcal included his impending free agency, a return to health, and a strong Spring Training performance. After 28 games, he sits at .371/.459/.586 (tops among shortstops). When Furcal first reached free agency after the 2005 season, he was only 28 and was coming off a .284/.348/.429 season. He chose to maximize his yearly salary rather than take a four or five-year deal. The three-year, $39MM contract Furcal signed with the Dodgers allows him to re-enter free agency at age 31. Furcal is in line for a monster contract even if he can't maintain...

Rosenthal's Latest: Furcal, Tejada

Ken Rosenthal did an Inside Pitch video yesterday; let's discuss. Rosenthal says Rafael Furcal and the Dodgers are open to discussing an extension during the season. Furcal makes $13MM this year and would be a hot commodity on the free agent market. If the Dodgers re-sign him, shortstop Chin-Lung Hu becomes valuable trade bait. Rosenthal notes that the biggest downside to Miguel Tejada's age revelation is his reduced trade value. It's possible the 'Stros could look to clean house in July or after the season.

Rosenthal's Latest: Lohse, Furcal, Lofton

FOX's Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest buzz from Spring Training. The Mets, Cardinals, and Orioles are listed as possibilities for Kyle Lohse. However, the Mets may deem him unnecessary, reports are conflicting on the Cards' interest, and the Orioles are wary of the price. Rosenthal says Rafael Furcal's agent met with Ned Colletti a few days ago, but the Dodgers would likely want to see Furcal return to form before entertaining an extension. Click here to see the other shortstops eligible for free agency after the '08 season. The Dodgers may have a viable replacement for Furcal in...