Rafael Furcal Should Run to the Oakland Athletics

I'm not sure what is more surprising: That Rafael Furcal has not jumped at the Athletics' rumored offer of four years/$40 million, or that the normally cheap Athletics are offering Furcal the big money. This will be the best offer that Furcal, 31, receives on the open market. Think about it: It has been reported that Furcal had four strong suitors—the A's, Blue Jays, Royals, and Dodgers. But where exactly are the big bucks going to come from if it is not the Athletics? It won't be the Blue Jays, who are not currently looking to add to their payroll. It won't be the Royals, who would need to cut payroll (i.e, trade Jose Guillen) before they could add to their payroll and make a serious run at Furcal. It won't be the Dodgers, who are currently waiting out the Manny Ramirez sweepstakes, hoping that he will take their $20+ million a year offer. They could jump in later, but I doubt they will come close to what the Athletics are offering, especially if they sign Manny. This deal makes so much ... (link)