Source: Giants Have "Inside Track" With Furcal

The Giants have the inside track in negotiations with free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, industry sources with knowledge of the situation have informed me. The Giants are reportedly preparing an offer for Furcal, which they plan to get to him this week. The Athletics are also pursuing Furcal, but it is uncertain whether or not they are willing to give him the price he wants. Furcal made 13 million dollars playing in just 36 games for the Dodgers and is reportedly looking for four years at 10 million dollars annually.

It is hard to imagine that negotiations would go quickly, considering Furcal is asking for ten million dollars after playing in just 36 games for the Dodgers. When healthy, Furcal is the type of player that can change a game, having hit .352 with 5 HR before he went down in May. Realistically, he could probably get a three year deal worth 25-30 million dollars, but because there is no one close to his ability at shortstop, he will probably get the deal he wants. It's risky, but it could pay off huge for the Giants if they sign him.

The Cardinals, Tigers, Orioles, and Blue Jays are also pursuing Furcal, but negotiations are not serious as of right now.