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Reactions to Miami Marlins signing of Rafael Furcal

The Miami Marlins on Thursday night signed infielder Rafael Furcal to a one-year contract. Here are some reactions from around the league. Several sources have indicated he will be playing second base in 2014.

By Scott Gelman

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-Marlins sign Rafael Furcal for 2B, per report - SBNation.com

For the Marlins, Furcal should be a substantial upgrade at his new position. Primary starter Donovan Solano and backups Derek Dietrich and Chris Valaika combined to hit just .234/.291/.348 last season, giving the Marlins some of weakest production from the position in the game.

-Miami Marlins bring in Rafael Furcal to play second base | marlins.com: News

Another veteran free agent with World Series championship experience is about to join the Marlins. MLB.com has confirmed that the Marlins and Rafael Furcal have agreed to a one-year deal, and he is expected to start for Miami at second base. The deal, first reported by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, is pending completion of a physical. The Sun-Sentinel reported the contract is believed to be for $3.5 million plus incentives. Furcal, 36, missed all of 2013 due to Tommy John surgery in his right elbow. A career shortstop, Furcal was a key part of the Cardinals' World Series championship team in 2011. He last appeared in the big leagues in 2012, playing 121 games for St. Louis.

-Miami Marlins agree to 1-year deal with veteran Rafael Furcal - Miami Marlins - MiamiHerald.com

The Marlins and veteran shortstop Rafael Furcal agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million plus incentives, sources have confirmed. But Furcal isn't expected to play shortstop for the Marlins.

-Marlins agree to one-year deal with Rafael Furcal | HardballTalk

The Marlins already have Adeiny Hechavarria at shortstop, so Rosenthal hears that they plan to use Furcal as their regular second baseman in 2014. The 36-year-old has only appeared in 36 games at second base during his 13-year major league career, but the position switch might be a good idea for him at this point after he missed the entire 2013 season following Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

-Marlins agree to sign Rafael Furcal to one-year deal - CBSSports.com

Furcal, 36, did not play at all in 2013 after having Tommy John surgery. He last played with the Cardinals in 2012, when he hit .264/.325/.346 (85 OPS+) with five home runs and 12 stolen bases in 121 games. Due to continued injury problems, Furcal has played 130+ games just once in the last five years. Primarily a shortstop throughout his career, Furcal has played 36 total games at second base but none since 2004. Moving him off shortstop at his age and following elbow surgery is a wise move, plus the Fish have Adeiny Hechavarria entrenched at short.

-Rafael Furcal agrees to terms with Marlins

Rafael Furcal will try to make his comeback from elbow surgery with the Miami Marlins. The free-agent infielder and the Marlins have agreed to terms on a contract, two people familiar with the situation said Thursday. Both people confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract hadn't been finalized.

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Miami Marlins sign Rafael Furcal to one-year, $3 million contract

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