What happened?

Beane is interested in Furcal because Crosby is horrendous defensively, worse offensively, locked into a raise for next year (his last on the current contract), and has little in the way of prospects at SS. Not because he’s going to get a bargain. Furcal is just the best available SS with the potential for a non-crippling contract. Additionally, the Furcal to As rumor is pretty much that. Beane should be interested in Furcal for all those reasons, but he’s not the only GM by any stretch.

The Yankees had no problems defensively with C and CF, but for 2009 when one catcher has no bat, the other has a reconstructed shoulder, and the two CFers can’t mount enough offense to be dangerous, I think it’s misdirected to be worrying about the one guy that’s adequate for his position and not the real holes. Jeter has two years remaining on his contract, at which point his declining skills at SS will be taken into consideration for replacement. Based on win shares, Furcal is worth an extra win share over Jeter with his glove and Jeter is worth an extra 2 wins with his bat. The entire hassle would probably be have a marginal, if any, effect.

[8] “SS is very near the top of the defensive spectrum”

Obviously and I didn’t say it wasn’t important. I just don’t think there is a “most important” defensive position.

Manny would prevent that too – and a contract of half the length and cost ;-)

It may not “wow” you, but .335 OBP is league average. So that .352 OBP is above average and from an above average glove at SS. He’s a solid option for anyone concerned about the Yankees lack of defense.

Seriously, you’re arguing about AVG rather than OBP? Furcal has an above average ability to get on-base.

The offensive difference, between Jeter and Furcal, is negligible considering the huge gap in defense. Again, it’s a moot point. They aren’t signing him.

SS is very near the top of the defensive spectrum, especially if you don’t have strikeout pitchers.