Fantasy Baseball: Can Rafael Furcal Continue His Hot Start?

Rafael Furcal is on fire to start the season, ranking among the league leaders in batting average and stolen bases in the early going. Can he keep it up?

With a career average that is above .280 and 300-plus stolen bases, you know that he can produce. He has nine seasons with 20 or more stolen bases and five seasons (or partial seasons) that he has hit .290 or better. Obviously, if he can stay healthy, he has the pedigree.

That has been his biggest issue though. Since 2008, he has only played in 100 games one year (2009). Over the past two seasons he has missed 140 games and over the past four seasons he has missed an average of 69.5 games per year.

At 34, he isn’t a lock to remain on the field. If he can, however, he should continue to be a solid contributor.

Even last year, where he struggled mightily producing a career-low .231 batting average (he had never hit below .269), he was remarkably better in St. Louis. After hitting .197 in 37 games for the Dodgers, he improved 58 points with the Cardinals.

Furcal has found a comfort level in St. Louis, so there is little reason to think he won’t be able to produce.

Rafael could be available in your league. He is owned in a little over half of Yahoo! and close to nearly three-quarters of ESPN leagues. He is best utilized in the middle infielder slot when applicable, but he can also be used in the starting shortstop role.

As you would expect with a player of his age and injury background you’ll want to keep good tabs on Furcal. Play him while he’s hot and healthy, but be ready if the other foot drops.

Also check out:

• Closer Talk
• Can Jason Vargas Continue to Roll?
• Will the Return to Tampa Continue to Energize Carlos Pena?
• Should You Own Erik Bedard?
• Fantasy Baseball 2012: Early Trade Targets