Looks like Rafael Furcal isn't going to Chicago, Dodgers about to sign shortstop.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=yspsctnhdln>Furcal on verge of agreement with Dodgers</TD></TR><TR><TD height=7><SPACER height="1" type="block" width="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Shortstop Rafael Furcal and the Los Angeles Dodgers were on the verge of agreeing to a $39 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations said late Saturday night.

The deal could be announced as early as Sunday, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet final.

Atlanta wanted to re-sign Furcal, who also was courted by the Chicago Cubs. Los Angeles, making its first major move under new general manager Ned Colletti, joined negotiations only in the past week.

<TABLE cellPadding=1 align=left border=0 vspace="5" hspace="10"><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle><!--Vendor: Pointroll, Format: Polite --><BASE target=_new></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>if (window.yzq_a == null) document.write("<scr" + "ipt type=text/javascript src=""http://us.js2.yimg.com/us.js.yimg.com/lib/bc/bc_1.7.2.js></scr" + "ipt>");</SCRIPT><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>if (window.yzq_a){yzq_a('p', 'P=iLipps6.I.bgQ72FQ4U6SQWzRCJLaUOS_BkABrlJ&T=13rs7k43a%2fX%3d1133706265%2fE%3d95861673%2fR%3dsports%2fK%3d5%2fV%3d1.1%2fW%3d8%2fY%3dYAHOO%2fF%3d3168494188%2fS%3d1%2fJ%3dAFE78E44');yzq_a('a', '&U=139qplcpm%2fN%3dEqxIRdhtfZE-%2fC%3d364166.6949980.8298512.1806201%2fD%3dLREC%2fB%3d3071611');}</SCRIPT><NOSCRIPT> </NOSCRIPT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Paul Kinzer, Furcal's agent, said he could not discuss his client's status until Sunday. Dodgers spokesman Josh Rawitch said the team didn't have anything to announce Saturday.

Furcal's decision to sign with the Dodgers was first reported on the Web site of the Los Angeles Times.

The 27-year-old switch-hitter has spent his six-year major league career with the Braves. He batted .284 last season with 12 homers, 58 RBIs, 100 runs and 46 steals in 56 attempts.

Furcal hit .279 with 24 homers, 59 RBIs, 29 stolen bases and 103 runs in 2004, one year after batting .292 with 15 homers, 61 RBIs, 25 steals and 130 runs.

Los Angeles has an All-Star shortstop in Cesar Izturis, but he underwent reconstructive surgery on his throwing elbow late last season and isn't expected to play until July.

Izturis could be shifted to second base when he returns, with All-Star Jeff Kent moving to first.

Colletti was hired as the Dodgers' GM on Nov. 16, and said his first priority was to hire a manager. The team has been without one since parting ways with Jim Tracy on Oct. 3. Colletti was hired to succeed Paul DePodesta, who was fired Oct. 29 when close to the end of his managerial search.

Colletti has said his top roster focus was in the outfield. But he made clear his interest in Furcal, a slick fielder as well as an offensive threat and standout leadoff hitter.

The Dodgers were also interested in outfielder Brian Giles, but he decided earlier in the week to remain with the San Diego Padres, who gave him a $30 million, three-year contract.

Los Angeles also needs help at first base if Kent isn't used there, third base and in the rotation.

Hampered by numerous injuries, the Dodgers had a 71-91 record last season -- their second-worst since moving from Brooklyn in 1958.

A year earlier, they went 93-69 in winning their first NL West championship in nine years. They lost the division series to NL champion St. Louis 3-1, but won their first postseason game in 16 years.

The Dodgers are hopeful that Eric Gagne, baseball's best closer from 2002-04, and outfielder J.D. Drew will be ready to go in spring training.

Gagne underwent season-ending surgery on his pitching elbow in June. Drew, who signed a $55 million, five-year contract last winter, didn't play after breaking a wrist when he was hit by a pitch July 3. The status of outfielder Milton Bradley remains uncertain. Bradley sustained a season-ending knee injury Aug. 23, a month after hurting a finger. He missed 87 games and had off-the-field problems, most notably a well-publicized feud with Kent. Bradley is eligible for salary arbitration. The Dodgers must decide by Dec. 20 whether to offer a contract.

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Dodgers are retarded. Why they would spend for a SS when you have a gold glover there now makes no sense. I know he's gone for a while but their going to move Izturus to second when he comes back and then Kent to first??

Cubsmac guaranteed me Furcal was going to be a Cub.

Journeyman said:

Cubsmac guaranteed me Furcal was going to be a Cub.

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That I did...didnt anticipate the Dodgers being any kind of contenders. But when they come in and add about 4 mil per year more than the next highest offer, money speaks.

Not sure where the Cubs go from here. They dont really need a SS as Ronnie Cedeno will be just fine there and they likely now keep Walker to play 2nd. Cubs have about 22 mill left to spend this offseason. Likely see them making a trade for 2 Ofers and they may now get in the AJ Burnett sweepstakes.

Cubsmac said:

That I did...didnt anticipate the Dodgers being any kind of contenders. But when they come in and add about 4 mil per year more than the next highest offer, money speaks.

Not sure where the Cubs go from here. They dont really need a SS as Ronnie Cedeno will be just fine there and they likely now keep Walker to play 2nd. Cubs have about 22 mill left to spend this offseason. Likely see them making a trade for 2 Ofers and they may now get in the AJ Burnett sweepstakes.

Click to expand...

I don't think it matters who the Cubs sign, as they aren't going anywhere this season. Dusty Baker is one of the worst managers in baseball and he's going to continue to ruin Chicago's once-promising pitching staff. Furthermore, the Cards are clearly the cream of the crop in the NL Central and they're making a real push for Burnett --- which would make them nearly unstoppable (and I'm not a St. Louis fan).

I think it will be a while before we see the Cubs in the playoffs again. Having said that, I feel a great deal of sympathy for Cub fans since they should have played in the World Series in 2003 (did I mention that Dusty Baker is a moron?).

Nice to see the Dodgers spend some money but their offense suffered last year due to injuries. Seemed to me their pitching was the real weakness, especially the bullpen. Of course a healthy Gagne will make a difference. Furcal is a very good player, second in VORP for the Braves. Defense not quite as good as Izturis but good. Scored 100 runs last two years but OBP still seems low at .345 and .347 last two years. Hopefully he improves on that. I heard Hacksaw this morning mention something about them trying to trade Bradley to Oakland. I wonder for who. Kotsay???

I don't think the Cubs are going anywhere either. Sad to say. The White Sox outperformed them during last season and are outperforming them in the offseason so far. Furcal played the Cubs just like a guy not paying for the cab ride home. Now they are forced to hopefully land Pierre or this offseason Cub fans will go through another losing season.

So if the Cubs are to get Pierre, they will have to overpay.

Cubs won't play Ronnie Cedeno much at SS with Dusty there.

Only a 3-year deal. Wow, I thought the Cubs were offering him 5. Strange.

But 13 per is an overpay. Can't imagine why the Dodgers would do that with Izturis. Must have been a my dick is bigger than yours thing.