Has Rafael Furcal played his last game with the Dodgers?

Rafael Furcal’s tenure with the Dodgers could be over.

The free agent shortstop told El Caribe that he would return from his native Dominican Republic to the United States on Monday to sign a contract –- and judging by what he said, it sounds like he could be joining the Oakland Athletics.

Furcal revealed that he has been offered a four-year, $48-million contract by the A’s that includes incentives that could push its value to more than $50 million.

Furcal said he has also received a substantial offer from the New York Mets, who want him as a second baseman.

“The offers made by the Athletics and the Mets of New York are tempting, but we’ll make a decision after I meet with my lawyer because there are various factors that we have to evaluate,” he said. “But my general feeling is that every offer that’s been made is important, which is why we want to make a decision that’s well thought out.”

Furcal’s agent, Paul Kinzer, said last week that he thought his client would sign a four-year deal.

Due to concerns about the condition of Furcal’s surgically repaired back, the Dodgers have been hesitant to extend him an offer of four years.

El Caribe also reported that Dodgers center fielder Andruw Jones will be reporting to his winter team in the Dominican Republic on Dec. 8.

-- Dylan Hernandez

Photo: Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal tumbles over Jayson Werth in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[bigdave818]

Dont do it raphy..don't leave L.A.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Vic Bulaich]

Why did the Dodgers bring R F Back for the post season ? When he is a free agent . He was a liability NLCS...................................bad move joe...............

[Ron]

The Dodgers NEED to resign Furcal!!! Granted he has had problems staying healthy but he has proven himself way to valuble on the offensive and defensive ends to let him go...Next to possibly resigning Manny (if the price isn't too outlandish) resigning raffy should be their #1 priority

[Jon]

I completely understand the issues with his health. When healthy, he's such a grinder out there....great guy to have....the talent as well as the person. If the Dodgers opt not to sign him,....."WHO ELSE IS OUT THERE?" Seriously, Orlando Cabrera? Would probably end up over-paying for him....and, the Angels had reasons outside of Aybar for getting rid of him. Beware Ned...do your homework on this one by making a call to Mr. Moreno. He's a better shortstop than he is a person from what I've heard from someone in the Angels organization. Cesar Izturis? - where's the bat?.....Ivan DeJesus, Jr.? - really? How long are we in "rebuilding mode" for? Is this the next Jeter or the next Wilton Guerrero? I'd resign Furcal with the thought that he could be moved to second base if/as needed in the future. Gritty,switch hitter with speed and athleticism.....Hard to some by. Then move my attention to the pitching.....Sabathia, Hoffman, Smoltz. (yes, all three of them.....) Baseball is a long season, you need character in your clubhouse, and they can be of help to the younger guys.

[danny flores]

raffy is a solid lead off hitter,with awsome defensive skills,he steals alot of bases,it would be a mistake for the dodgers to let furcal go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Bryan Ditman]

12 Million is way too much. We have a young defensive standout that can play shortstop. Better to spend the money on a real tough hitter, a closer, or a starting pitcher.

[nando]

forget Furcal, does anyone remember how his three errors in one inning cost the Dodgers a shot at a world series?!
Sign
Hudson for 2b
Renteria or Cabrera for SS
Dewitt 3rd

[Brian]

Raffy wants a 4 year deal because HE is concerned about HIS durability. The Dodgers are not going to give him 4 years for the same reason. Don’t any of you remember that he only played 1 full year out of the last 3 year deal? Say goodbye Raffy! We have Ivan DeJesus Jr. ready to take over at SS sometime this year or next with Angel Berroa splitting time until he his ready. Torre said that he likes Blake DeWitt at 3B. That leaves 2B as our top infield priority (Unless we all cross our fingers on Tony Abreu). In addition to 2B, we obviously need a starting pitcher. Our bullpen looks pretty deep even though we may not have a proven closer. As a result, look for the following this offseason…

SP – Going hard for CC, but not going to match Yankees offer. If we fail, look at the Dodgers to try to land just about anyone available, but the preference would be a top of the rotation starter.

2B – Orlando Hudson is tops on my list

Manny – If we sign him great, if we don’t we will make due with Pierre and Andruw “On a Diet” Jones

Here is what we will have in this best case scenario…

Kemp - CF
O Hudson – 2B
Ethier – RF
Manny – LF
Loney – 1B
Martin – C
DeWitt – 3B
Berroa / DeJesus – SS

Rotation
CC
Billingsley
Kuroda
Kershaw
Schmidt / McDonald

Bullpen
Kuo - L
Broxton – R
Elbert – L
Proctor – R
Troncoso – R
Wade – R

[Brian]

Furcal will be a Brave !!

[Craig]

1st = Texeira
2nd = Dewitt
SS = Furcal
3rd = Abreu
RF = Kemp
LF = Ethier
CF = Jones
SP = Trade Loney for Jake Peavy or 3rd baseman. Billingsley. Kershaw, Rookie. Ben Sheets Scmidt/Randy Johnson. CC if can't get Peavy

[Dearica HAmby]

NOOO!!!! o well, but well miss you. as long as they dont get rid of andruw jones.! ill be okay.! i LOVE YOU ANDRUW!!!!