The Heart & Soul of the Dodgers “Rafael Furcal”

Some may look at him as the smallest guy on the field, but when it comes down to making huge plays on the field whether its making that dazzling diving stop, that throw deep in the hole off one foot or simply driving in runs and getting that extra stolen base, Rafael Furcal is the “big” guy to do it. Last season Furcal was one of the main reasons why the Dodgers were successful. Furcal was in the top ten in 11 different categories for the National League. Those categories included Hits (6th), multi hit games (4th), at-bats (4th), plate appearances (4th), singles (2nd), Stolen Bases (7th), runs scored (10th), home batting avg. (9th), bunts (6th), average with runners in scoring position (8th). In addition, Furcal was the ninth hardest player to double up in the National League (one GIDP per 93.4 at-bats). Furcal was one of the most reliable players on the Dodgers roster last season playing in 159 games, which allowed him to reach career highs in batting average (.300), games (159), RBI’s (63), & Hits (196). His 113 runs scored were the most as a Dodger since Shawn Green. Furcal scored 100 runs for the fourth consecutive season, which made him one out of only five major leaguers to accomplish 100 runs in four consecutive seasons. Furcal joins Pujols, A-Rod, Damon, & Ichiro as the only five players in the Majors to score 100 runs in four straight seasons. Furcal will not only have an impact on the field for the 2007 season but off the field as well, look for Furcal to be more of a vocal leader for the Dodgers this upcoming season. Although this is Furcal’s second season as a Dodger Furcal has gained the respect as the Dodgers Captain and leader by the Dodgers coaching staff, Players and the Fans due to his consistent play, hard work and determination. This season could and should be a record breaking season for Furcal with newly acquired Juan Pierre batting behind him Furcal should see better pitches and should get on base more whether it’s a walk or a hit.

Bottom Line:
With Furcal having much more consistent and better hitters in the upcoming seasons lineup he should definitely steal more bases, score more runs and have a better OBP then he had last year (.369). Expect lots of Bunts from Pierre this season, which should allow Furcal to get in scoring position more often than last year. If Furcal could stay healthy look for Furcal to put up big numbers and possibly be an All-Star shortstop this year.