Furcal finalizes deal with Dodgers

Los Angeles — Shortstop Rafael Furcal finalized his three-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.

Furcal agreed to terms of a contract worth at least $30 million with the Dodgers two days earlier.

“Raffy has proven to be a very important player for us over the last three seasons,” Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said in a statement issued late Friday. “He sets a great example with his enthusiasm and passion for the game and his teammates.”

Furcal hit .357 with five homers and 16 RBIs last season, but was limited to 36 games and 143 at-bats by back problems. He had back surgery July 3 and was sidelined until the season’s final week, but started each of the Dodgers’ eight postseason games, hitting .258 with one homer, three RBIs and nine runs scored.

“You can’t overestimate Raffy’s value to the team,” Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. “He brings so much more to the table than just his ability to play the game. The players feed off his energy and I think he’s an integral piece of the puzzle. I look forward to having that leadership in a Dodger uniform for the next several years.”

Furcal gets $6.5 million next season, $8.5 million in 2010 and $12 million in 2011. The deal includes a $12 million team option for 2012, and the option would become guaranteed if he has 600 plate appearances in 2011. He also can earn an additional $1 million annually, including the option year, if he remains healthy.

Furcal also will get a $3 million payment by the end of the January following the contract’s completion. He has a limited no-trade provision allowing him to block deals to a specified number of teams.

Furcal began his big league career with the Braves, playing with them from 2000-05. He signed a three-year, $39 million free-agent contract with the Dodgers following the 2005 season.