A's, Giants Battling For Furcal

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 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.

7 months ago ejdacanay Comment 14 comments 0 recs |

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Hope Sabean’s offer is incentive-laden deal. Adding Furcal to the line-up then could free Lewis to be dropped to third or fifth in the batting order so he can become a run producer for the line-up.

by wilriv21 on Nov 17, 2008 11:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I like the idea. Burriss battles Frandsen for playing time at 2B, and slides over to SS on the days where Furcal needs a break.

by tyrannoman on Nov 17, 2008 11:57 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

of course

the last player the A’s and the Giants ’battled" over was Estebian Lozia…

by tyrannoman on Nov 17, 2008 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That guy is about as evil as Lasorda

Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil

by SoFa King Mike on Nov 17, 2008 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I am doubtful on Furcals health and ability to play 1K innings.

If the team wants to go questionable position holder for 1-2 years then why not Renteria? Burriss get every day play time in Fresno at SS or just takes Velez’s roster spot allowing Frandsen to split time between 2nd & 3rd. No I am not real wild about the Renteria idea either but should be cheaper , shorter and healthier.

Ivan Ochoa - Heir to the legacy of Rob Andrews & Rikkert Faneyte!

Here comes Captain Obvious wearing his Atomic Wedgie!

by daveinexile on Nov 17, 2008 12:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Renteria

Is a Type A FA. I personally wouldn’t want to give up a second round pick for him. Furcal’s not a Type A or B.

Proud adoptive parent of Tim Alderson.

by Anticon23 on Nov 17, 2008 1:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I believe the Tigers have stated they will decline to offer him arbitration. I’ll try and find the link later. Any ways that’s the presumption I am working under.

Ivan Ochoa - Heir to the legacy of Rob Andrews & Rikkert Faneyte!

Here comes Captain Obvious wearing his Atomic Wedgie!

by daveinexile on Nov 17, 2008 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d be okay with signing him if that was the case.

Proud adoptive parent of Tim Alderson.

by Anticon23 on Nov 17, 2008 3:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No whammie, No whammie, Save big bucks.

Ivan Ochoa - Heir to the legacy of Rob Andrews & Rikkert Faneyte!

Here comes Captain Obvious wearing his Atomic Wedgie!

by daveinexile on Nov 17, 2008 11:59 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I’ve always liked Furcal, but that back injury scares me.

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Nov 17, 2008 12:03 PM PST reply actions 1 recs