Braves Working on Furcal

[HoopsCubs]

http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/1005/11furcal.html

 

This link may give you the article or the registration page.

 

A few quotes:

 

"With their season over and the free agent filing period to begin after the World Series, the Braves can focus on re-signing Rafael Furcal, a situation some teammates described as the most important one facing the team."

 

""John [schuerholz] has been working as hard as he can work to get that done," manager Bobby Cox said Monday."

 

This isn't a slam dunk case in Atlanta's favor. While he prefers to play for Cox, Furcal has indicated that he wouldn't turn down a lucrative offer from another club.

 

Hoops

[CuseCubFan69]

I am looking forward to another year of Neifi.

[Rusch33]

No Neifi, probably Nomar.

[LoneStarCubFan]

No Neifi, probably Nomar.

 

Rich Aurilia "backing up" Ronnie Cedeno.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think this is the most important statement:

 

Based on contracts given to shortstops Jimmy Rollins, Edgar Renteria and Orlando Cabrera in the past year, Furcal could expect at least $8 million annually in a four- or five-year deal from some team. The Cubs and Mets are known to have interest.

 

If we sign Furcal, it will be a 4/36- 5/42 deal. How will that deal look four or five years down the road?

 

Once again, we're mentioned as a suitor. Hendry has been known to get his targets. I have a strong feeling we'll end up with Furcal. Unfortunately, I believe that will be the totality of the splash we make and that our OF still will be uninspiring.

[YearofDaCubs]

For all the talk about Furcal being overrated it sounds like the Braves see the value in Furcal and they are trying to sign him to a long-term deal.

[YearofDaCubs]

I think this is the most important statement:

 

Based on contracts given to shortstops Jimmy Rollins, Edgar Renteria and Orlando Cabrera in the past year, Furcal could expect at least $8 million annually in a four- or five-year deal from some team. The Cubs and Mets are known to have interest.

 

If we sign Furcal, it will be a 4/36- 5/42 deal. How will that deal look four or five years down the road?

 

Once again, we're mentioned as a suitor. Hendry has been known to get his targets. I have a strong feeling we'll end up with Furcal. Unfortunately, I believe that will be the totality of the splash we make and that our OF still will be uninspiring.

If our OF is not improved..I'm done with this team.

[Rusch33]

I think this is the most important statement:

 

Based on contracts given to shortstops Jimmy Rollins, Edgar Renteria and Orlando Cabrera in the past year, Furcal could expect at least $8 million annually in a four- or five-year deal from some team. The Cubs and Mets are known to have interest.

 

If we sign Furcal, it will be a 4/36- 5/42 deal. How will that deal look four or five years down the road?

 

Once again, we're mentioned as a suitor. Hendry has been known to get his targets. I have a strong feeling we'll end up with Furcal. Unfortunately, I believe that will be the totality of the splash we make and that our OF still will be uninspiring.

If our OF is not improved..I'm done with this team.

 

 

You guys say that all the time, and you always comeback.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Personally, I don't see any way the Braves can afford Furcal without dealing someone else's salary.

 

They played with an 81 million payroll or somewhere around there this year. They're owned now by Time Warner, so the days of Turner over spending are over.

 

They have the following burdensome contracts for 2006:

(I'm not saying these are bad contracts, just the big money they owe players.)

 

1. Tim Hudson: 10 million

2. A Jones: 13.5 million

3. C. Jones: 17 million

4. J. Smoltz: 8 million

5. Mike Hampton: 13.5 million

 

That's 62 million for five players, leaving them 20 million to complete the roster. That will be assisted with cheap outfield options in Francoer and Kelly Johnson.

 

They'll have some decisions to make in the bullpen and with some of their arbitration eligible talent. I think they could fit Furcal in at 7-8 million, but it would take some manuevering.

 

Marcus Giles made 2.5 million in arbitration last year and is likely to get 4-5 million for 2006. I don't see them being able to afford both Giles and Furcal unless they trade away another big contract.

[YearofDaCubs]

I think this is the most important statement:

 

Based on contracts given to shortstops Jimmy Rollins, Edgar Renteria and Orlando Cabrera in the past year, Furcal could expect at least $8 million annually in a four- or five-year deal from some team. The Cubs and Mets are known to have interest.

 

If we sign Furcal, it will be a 4/36- 5/42 deal. How will that deal look four or five years down the road?

 

Once again, we're mentioned as a suitor. Hendry has been known to get his targets. I have a strong feeling we'll end up with Furcal. Unfortunately, I believe that will be the totality of the splash we make and that our OF still will be uninspiring.

If our OF is not improved..I'm done with this team.

 

 

You guys say that all the time, and you always comeback.

It's an addiction, but seriously enough is enough with this team.

[Magnetic Curses]

this probably good news for those of us who want giles over furcal. seriously, furcal is an upgrade to neifi, but not enough of an upgrade to warrant spending so much more. i still say bring back nomar, sign giles and lofton (lofton to a 1 year deal), and try to grab burnett.

 

if we can trade for abreu, i say do it, i just don't think hendry will, is all.

[CubinNY]

The Cubs cannot go through another season with Neifi as the starting SS. I wish they would resign Nomar. But I am betting that Neifi will be a Cubs uniform and starting somewhere on openining day.

[mhuber92211]

Personally, I don't see any way the Braves can afford Furcal without dealing someone else's salary.

 

They played with an 81 million payroll or somewhere around there this year. They're owned now by Time Warner, so the days of Turner over spending are over.

 

They have the following burdensome contracts for 2006:

(I'm not saying these are bad contracts, just the big money they owe players.)

 

1. Tim Hudson: 10 million

2. A Jones: 13.5 million

3. C. Jones: 17 million

4. J. Smoltz: 8 million

5. Mike Hampton: 13.5 million

 

That's 62 million for five players, leaving them 20 million to complete the roster. That will be assisted with cheap outfield options in Francoer and Kelly Johnson.

 

They'll have some decisions to make in the bullpen and with some of their arbitration eligible talent. I think they could fit Furcal in at 7-8 million, but it would take some manuevering.

 

Marcus Giles made 2.5 million in arbitration last year and is likely to get 4-5 million for 2006. I don't see them being able to afford both Giles and Furcal unless they trade away another big contract.

 

Hampton is out for the season with TJS. It will be covered by insurance so that will help somewhat.

[YearofDaCubs]

The Cubs cannot go through another season with Neifi as the starting SS. I wish they would resign Nomar. But I am betting that Neifi will be a Cubs uniform and starting somewhere on openining day.

Let's hope Hendry's advisors will have a better game plan than last year.

[Derwood]

No Neifi, probably Nomar.

 

Rich Aurilia "backing up" Ronnie Cedeno.

 

 

...after all the good free agents are signed, because once again Hendry sits back and "waits for the dust to settle" before making any mobes

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

No Neifi, probably Nomar.

 

Rich Aurilia "backing up" Ronnie Cedeno.

 

 

...after all the good free agents are signed, because once again Hendry sits back and "waits for the dust to settle" before making any mobes

 

That's actually a very inaccurate assessment of Hendry's MO. He always seems to move quickly on players he has targeted and much slower on players that he just has an interest in acquiring.

 

Following the 2002 and 2003 seasons, bullpen was the target area. He moved quickly both times to sign Remlinger in 2002 and Hawkins in 2003. Last season, re-signing Nomar was his target and he did it relatively efficiently. While we may disagree with the targets (and I do again in the case of Furcal and not Giles being the target), Hendry has shown an ability to go hard and rapidly after the players he deems to be the ones needed or desired.

[LoneStarCubFan]

No Neifi, probably Nomar.

 

Rich Aurilia "backing up" Ronnie Cedeno.

 

 

...after all the good free agents are signed, because once again Hendry sits back and "waits for the dust to settle" before making any mobes

 

and "backing up" = "getting most of the starts" because Dusty wants to "pick his spots" when he uses Cedeno.

[CuseCubFan69]

No Neifi, probably Nomar.

 

Rich Aurilia "backing up" Ronnie Cedeno.

 

 

...after all the good free agents are signed, because once again Hendry sits back and "waits for the dust to settle" before making any mobes

 

and "backing up" = "getting most of the starts" because Dusty wants to "pick his spots" when he uses Cedeno.

 

"That's our Dusty!"

[CubfaninCA]

I think this is the most important statement:

 

Based on contracts given to shortstops Jimmy Rollins, Edgar Renteria and Orlando Cabrera in the past year, Furcal could expect at least $8 million annually in a four- or five-year deal from some team. The Cubs and Mets are known to have interest.

 

If we sign Furcal, it will be a 4/36- 5/42 deal. How will that deal look four or five years down the road?

 

Once again, we're mentioned as a suitor. Hendry has been known to get his targets. I have a strong feeling we'll end up with Furcal. Unfortunately, I believe that will be the totality of the splash we make and that our OF still will be uninspiring.

 

He's young, so it would probably turn out alright. He can leadoff. Has great speed. A good glove and is in the top tier amongst shortstops in ops. Sometimes you have to build incrementally. Can't have everything overnight. The Cubs have the pitching to be right where the Angels, White Sox and Houston are now in 2006.

[nilodnayr]

Personally, I don't see any way the Braves can afford Furcal without dealing someone else's salary.

 

They played with an 81 million payroll or somewhere around there this year. They're owned now by Time Warner, so the days of Turner over spending are over.

 

They have the following burdensome contracts for 2006:

(I'm not saying these are bad contracts, just the big money they owe players.)

 

1. Tim Hudson: 10 million

2. A Jones: 13.5 million

3. C. Jones: 17 million

4. J. Smoltz: 8 million

5. Mike Hampton: 13.5 million

 

That's 62 million for five players, leaving them 20 million to complete the roster. That will be assisted with cheap outfield options in Francoer and Kelly Johnson.

 

They'll have some decisions to make in the bullpen and with some of their arbitration eligible talent. I think they could fit Furcal in at 7-8 million, but it would take some manuevering.

 

Marcus Giles made 2.5 million in arbitration last year and is likely to get 4-5 million for 2006. I don't see them being able to afford both Giles and Furcal unless they trade away another big contract.

 

Hampton is out for the season with TJS. It will be covered by insurance so that will help somewhat.

 

Not necessarily, very few insurance agencies will insure pitchers contracts over 3 or 4 years due to the risk. If they did get an agency to underwrite it, trust me they either paid insane premiums or had low maximums. Theres no way the Braves arent going to eat at least a vast majority of that contract.

[nilodnayr]

I just dont undertand how such a smart organization would resign Furcal with Betemit on the roster at the expense (maybe not this year but definitely next year with his arbi raises) of Giles. If Furcal resigns what happens with Marte, does he waste away on the bench? Repeat at Richmond? Could he play second if they dish Giles?

[XZero771679666304]

I just dont undertand how such a smart organization would resign Furcal with Betemit on the roster at the expense (maybe not this year but definitely next year with his arbi raises) of Giles. If Furcal resigns what happens with Marte, does he waste away on the bench? Repeat at Richmond? Could he play second if they dish Giles?

 

Perhaps the talk of re-signing Furcal is just PR stuff. With Marte and Betemit waiting in the wings, one of the IF has to go.

[nilodnayr]

I just dont undertand how such a smart organization would resign Furcal with Betemit on the roster at the expense (maybe not this year but definitely next year with his arbi raises) of Giles. If Furcal resigns what happens with Marte, does he waste away on the bench? Repeat at Richmond? Could he play second if they dish Giles?

 

Perhaps the talk of re-signing Furcal is just PR stuff. With Marte and Betemit waiting in the wings, one of the IF has to go.

 

I'd hope so well I dont hope so since I dont want Hendry signing furcal. If Im the braves I go with Marte, Betemit, Giles, Laroche/franco across the infield and Jones, Jones, Francoeur/Johnson/Langerhans in the OF. Use the money you would have spent on a top set up man and a #4 starter. They might not necessarily win next year (how many times are we going to say this?) but the only way this team can stay competitive now and in the future is to not block their top prospects with overrated major leaguers with bloated long term contracts.

[nilodnayr]

Another tough question is what are they going to do behind the plate? Do they stick with Estrada, hope he stays healthy and repeats his 2004 and then dish him, or keep him and dish McCann? Do they start playing McCann more? Thats a tough call.

[JeffH]

Betemit is not a top defender at SS.

 

Furcal is. I imagine the Braves view him as the most unique, and, therefore, most difficult of their infielders to replace.

 

They'll make him a good offer. It will be less than some others he gets. The size of the difference will likely be the determining factor in whether he stays or goes.

 

John S. knows that keeping Giles and letting Furcal go will reduce their talent stock, while keeping Furcal and trading Giles will be less of a talent reduction.