Rafael Furcal reportedly spent much of Tuesday in the East Bay as the A's entertained the free-agent shortstop and his wife, as well as his agent, Foxsports.com reported.
The 31-year-old Furcal visited the Oakland Coliseum, had lunch with A's general manager Billy Beane and also spent time touring communities where he'd be most likely to reside if he decided to sign with the A's. Furcal's wife, Glenny, and his agent, Paul Kinzer, were also on Tuesday's tour, sources told Foxsports.com. Phone calls to A's officials seeking comment weren't immediately returned.
The A's and Giants are thought to be the most serious suitors of the switch-hitting shortstop, who is said to be seeking a four-year contract. Furcal is expected to meet again Wednesday with the A's, with Oakland possibly making a formal contract demand, according to Foxsports' sources.
The Web site also reported that the A's have begun talks with the Washington Nationals about acquiring first baseman Nick Johnson, including looking at medical records of the oft-injured former New York Yankee . Johnson would presumably spend time at designated hitter as well as provide insurance in case Daric Barton can't hold onto Oakland's first base job.
