Just when you think it's a duel between the Cubs and Braves, here come the Dodgers to scoop up Rafael Furcal.
It's a nice thought and all, but once again the Dodgers front office proves to be extremely shortsighted. Rather than fill the gaping hole in first base or re-sign Jeff Weaver (I wonder if anyone remembers he's a free agent?), the Dodgers sign a 2B/SS...which they already have! And who's brilliant idea is it to move JEFF KENT to first base?
Following last year's blockbuster signing of the ever-brittle J.D. Drew, the Dodgers once again show everyone how savvy their front office truly is.
Signing Furcal isn't a bad move. He's a nice player and all, and I think most teams would be happy to have him.
What is a bad move is signing Furcal to a 3 year, 40 million dollar deal. I've said it or thought it after every free agent signing this offseason, and I'll say it one more time: these owners are insane. Can anyone justify how anyone who isn't under the influence of copious amounts of hard drugs could think that this is a good deal? Furcal has a career high of 15 homeruns, he has never hit .300, and despite being a leadoff hitter has a career OBP under .350. What are the Dodgers thinking. The Orioles signed Tejada to a deal worth 6/72 before the 2004 season. Does anyone think that Furcal is worth even half of that?
I'm convinced AJ Burnett is going to sign a deal worth a billion dollars or something. People were saying during the season that maybe 4/48 would get Burnett. I have to think that nothing under 5/60 even gets looked at by Burnett and his agent. Hell, Loaiza got 3/21 and apparently Byrd was offered 3/22 by the Royals, and they aren't even among the top three or four free agent pitchers. At least it will be funny when the CBA expires again and the owners cry about needing a salary cap.
Because God forbid the Dodgers should actually pick up someone of value. Let's pick up some MORE SCRUBS! Surely, THAT will get us back atop the NL West and, dare I say it, to the WORLD SERIES!*
* - This tirade subject to the rumor coming true. If the rumor is false, then this post never existed
The Phillies are starting to sign veteran pitchers like Matt Millen used to draft wide receivers. And its going to be about as successful (world-series wise).
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