Dodgers increase their desire for Furcal

[Providence A's]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseba...ck=1&cset=true

After an unsuccessful attempt to sign outfielder Brian Giles, the Dodgers have stepped up their interest in free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal.

"There is serious interest there," said Paul Kinzer, Furcal's agent.

Early this week, the Chicago Cubs made a strong push to sign Furcal — dangling a five-year deal worth close to $50 million — but the Dodgers have made a comparable offer. Furcal has not ruled out returning to Atlanta, where he has spent his six-year career.

Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti did not make an offer when he met with another of Furcal's representatives, Adam Katz, on Tuesday. But when it became clear Wednesday evening that Giles was going to re-sign with the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers quickly turned back to Furcal, who is among the few proven hitters in a thin free-agent market.

Dodger shortstop Cesar Izturis is recovering from elbow surgery and is expected to be sidelined until the All-Star break. If he signed with the Dodgers, Furcal could play shortstop, Izturis could move to second and Jeff Kent could move to first. Furcal played second base for the Dominican Republic team in the Caribbean Series in February.

"If Furcal is on this team, we'd still have a place for Izturis," Colletti said. "He's a good player."

[Providence A's]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseba...ck=1&cset=true

The Dodgers are so intent on signing free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal that they have offered him a three-year contract worth close to $40 million, a source with knowledge of the negotiations said Friday night.

The package would give Furcal significantly more money a year than offers he has received from the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. The Cubs have dangled a five-year deal for about $50 million, and the latest Brave offer is no more than $36 million over four years.

This could persuade him to sign...