Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Going Home

There is a report on ESPN stating that Rafael Furcal is returning to the Atlanta Braves. Although no money was announced, the deal is believed to be for 3 years with a 4th year club option. The deal is pending a physical.

Rafael Furcal was Ned Colletti's first major signing when the shortstop agreed to a 3 year, $39 million deal in 2006. While no one doubted his baseball ability, it was his inability to stay healthy that will linger in several people's minds. Remember however, that before Manny's arrival in late 2008, Furcal was the most dynamic player at the Ravine. The Dodgers should be complimented for not giving in to Furcal's lofty contract demands; however, they should be scorned for not doing more to bring him back. Farewell and best wishes Raffy. We know you "hit the ball" and "play the game everyday."

The guys over at Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness have a great post about this subject. It echo's our thoughts EXACTLY.

EDIT: THE LA TIMES QUOTES FURCAL'S AGENT, PAUL KINZER, AS SAYING, "WE HAVEN'T SIGNED ANYTHING." "WE HAVEN'T HAD AN AGREEMENT." KINZER ALSO STATES THAT THE DODGERS AND BRAVES ARE THE ONLY TWO TEAMS FURCAL IS CONSIDERING.

5 comments:

Doc said...

It seems like Furcal wants to stay but the Dodgers have to meet him somewhere in the middle.

I like the idea of an incentive-laden contract, but appearantly Furcal does not.

We'll find out once Raffy signs on the dotted line.

BTW, I'd have to think that the Braves are trading Escobar or Kelly Johnson if Furcal is signed...possibly even opening door for the Peavy to ATL trade that has been rumored off-and-on.

Brandon said...

I've also heard the Furcal to ATL, Escobar/Johnson trade for Peavy.

Who knows. Ned is driving me crazy this offseason. He is being SUPER patient trying to atone for the previous sins of Schmidt and Jones. I firmly believe that the front office had a meeting and decided to not make any risky signings.

Nat said...

Raffy isn't the frail, over-the-hill shortstop everyone is pegging him to be. He's a gamer that got unlucky during '07 Spring Training, when he collided with the Dodger's recipient of the Aaron Rowand Award...Jason Repko.

The Dodgers can't afford to lose their lead-off hitter and web-gem glove in one swoop. Raffy has earned a 3 year committment in this market.

Doc said...

The Aaron Rowand Award...genius.

Goes to the player most likely to injure himself or others due to an extreme desire to make a play defensively.

Doc said...

Not so fast on Raffy, the latest rumors have him returning to LA.

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081217&content_id=3720143&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la

Seriously? Just sign a contract already. This is ridiculous. I despise the media circus. These writers should lose their jobs for using unreliable sources. Wait until the guy signs on the dotted line.

Furcal loves LA. He has unfinished business here. My advice to Raffy:

step 1
Sign with the Dodgers

step 2
Fire your agent

step 3
Call Manny and tell him to follow steps 1 & 2