How The Furcal Domino May Fall

If Rafael Furcal is coming back to Atlanta, he's definitely taking the scenic route. Several media sources are reporting that Rafael Furcal has accepted in principle a 3-year deal with the Atlanta Braves. The deal supposedly includes a vesting option for a 4th year at a price of about $10M per season. But, that's not the case just yet. If Furcal does return to the infield that allowed him to become a marquee shortstop and win the 2000 National League Rookie of the Year, it won't be without some shifting along the way. The first question many Braves fans would ask is "Okay, does that mean we're willing to include Yunel Escobar and initiate talks with the San Diego Padres about Jake Peavy?" Not necessarily. The second question would be "Since Furcal is a shortstop, what would happen to Escobar? Would he be traded or be asked to move positions?" The likely answer is neither. Furcal was primarily a second baseman during his rookie year and the hopes that second base would be less taxing on ... (link)