Rafael Furcal to the Dodgers

Former Altanta Braves shortstop Rafael Furcalsigned a 3 year $39 million dollar deal over the weekend with the LA Dodgers. This is a nice pick-up for the Dodgers and will give them one of the better middle infields in the national league with Kent at second base. I never liked Furcal much, mostly because of his off the field problems (read drinking problems), but I will give him credit for being an amazing player. He has a huge arm and is very fast.

From espn.com “A switch hitter, Furcal batted .284 last season with 12 homers, 58 RBI, 100 runs scored and 46 steals in 56 attempts. He hit .279 with 24 homers, 59 RBI, 29 stolen bases and 103 runs in 2004 and .292 with 15 homers, 61 RBI, 25 steals and 130 runs scored in 2003.”

I’m glad Furcal signed with the Dodgers. The Chicago Cubs were in the running for him, and nearly landed the star. That would have been a huge upgrade for the Cubs and would have caused huge problems for all the other National League central teams.

You have to wonder what the Dodgers will do with Caesar Izturis, their all-star short stop. Caesar underwent surgery on his elbow and isn’t expected to return till mid-season. I hope he can play another position (like third base). Possibly Caesar could move to second with Kent moving to third or first. Too bad they won’t be able to practice position swaps during spring training with Caesar sidelined.

Next up for the Dodgers: hire a manager already!