Forget About Furcal?

by Ian Casselberry on Nov 7, 2008 1:00 AM EST in News Comment 7 comments

I don't know how many of you were on the Rafael Furcal fantasy bus with me, but we might not want to drive this thing out of the parking lot.

It probably wasn't an ideal match anyway, with Furcal seeking a multi-year contract, and the Detroit Tigers looking for a short-term stopgap until Cale Iorg is ready for the majors. Dave Dombrowski confirmed this on Tuesday to the Freep's Jon Paul Morosi. As it is, the Tigers haven't even contacted Furcal's people.

And maybe this is one reason why. According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, Furcal's current team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, offered a two-year contract worth $25 to 30 million. And apparently, "that isn't going to fly."

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal seconds the notion that the Tigers aren't interested in Furcal, followed by a quote from Dombrowski saying he much prefers supplemental players to go along with the big-name stars his team already has.

Back to Morosi, he mentions two names that could be more likely candidates for Detroit's shortstop job next season: Toronto's John McDonald (who played 31 games with the Tigers in 2005) and - yes, he's going there again - Pittsburgh's Jack Wilson. Both players' contracts expire after 2009.

McDonald comes much cheaper, with a $1.29 million salary for next season. But he hit only .210/.255/.269 with one home run and 18 RBIs. However, he is considered one of the top defensive shortstops in the AL.

Wilson, meanwhile, is set to be paid $7.25 million next year, but was a bit more impressive at the plate with a .272/.312/.348 average (but hit just one homer with 22 RBIs). And depending on your defensive metric of choice, he was better than McDonald on defense this season.

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at this point

I wish they’d get Wilson so Morosi would finally stop bringing up his name whenever a shortstop is needed!

Mack Avenue Tigers

by MackAveKurt on Nov 7, 2008 1:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

And why is Morosi the only one – seriously, the only one – who brings up Wilson every time?

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Nov 7, 2008 11:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you may be guilty on that front! I’ve had to pull on the leash a couple of times! It’s all most (ALL most) becoming comical to me again.

by Zappatista on Nov 7, 2008 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Furcal

There is a good chance that Furcal with not get 4 yr deal anywhere. Tigers should offer 30 million over 3 years if they cannot sign a good pitcher because they do have about 20 million to spend this year. Why? He addresses Tigers needs many ways ( good ss, good speed, bats left handed and lead off hitter). Wilson sound like a bargain at 7.25 million but I would image the Pirates want good prospects in return. I am not sold on a Class A player that hit 251 and made 18 errors in 99 games. What happen if his avg drop further and does not improve his D as he progress to a higher level of play. I do like his speed and power for an infielder.
Tiger need to sign a star to or face a severe decline in season ticket holders. Season Ticket sells went through the roof when they first sign Pudge and when they traded for Cabrera.

by Barry2 on Nov 7, 2008 9:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Picks, Picks, Picks

First thing that must be done is offering Renteria arb because we could really use the draft picks. There’s a very good chance he’ll turn it down because of the weak SS market. And if he accepts, one more year of him won’t be that bad.

After that there are rumblings that the BoSox have been investigating Willis. If they come away with interest we can almost be assured that Lugo will be between Inge and Polly next season.

by MacRae on Nov 7, 2008 4:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Lugo

I really don’t know much about him (his stats, etc.) except from watching him play for Boston. He always seemed to be one of their weak links and frankly, I was astonished he was their ss. Maybe he’s fast on the basepaths? I don’t know.

by densogirl on Nov 8, 2008 9:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

If McDonald is actually a consideration, why not stick with Santiago? His offensive production couldn’t possibly be any worse than McDonald’s, could it?

by Dberg on Nov 8, 2008 3:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs