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          New York Mets

          Furcal: Mets showing interest

          • Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff WriterNov 30, 2013, 05:16 PM ET
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              Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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          With Jhonny Peralta having signed with the St. Louis Cardinals and Stephen Drew likely beyond the Mets' spending appetite, the Mets are expressing interest in Rafael Furcal, the free-agent shortstop told Enrique Rojas at ESPNDeportes.com.

          Rafael Furcal

          Rafael Furcal

          #15 SS
          St. Louis Cardinals

          2013 STATS

          • GM-

          • HR-

          • RBI-

          • R-

          • OBP-

          • AVG-

          "Many teams have shown interest," Furcal told Rojas in Spanish. "Boston, the Marlins, Mets, Washington, Pirates and Colorado are interested, among others."

          Furcal, 36, missed last season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

          Furcal indicated his interests are playing for a contender and for playing time.

          "At my age, if I have health, I can play regularly," Furcal said. "... I am a natural second baseman. If I have to move around to various positions in order to play for a contender, I would do it."

          As for his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Furcal said: 'This week I will begin to throw some baseballs, and doctors will evaluate me in two weeks to increase the workload. Right now I'm focused on getting fully fit for spring training. I hope to have a chance to prove that I can play every day. In this part of my career I do not play for money."

          UPDATE: Despite Furcal's statement, the Post's Joel Sherman cites an executive as saying the Mets are no longer interested because of physical concerns. Sandy Alderson this week started sounding like Ruben Tejada may be the Opening Day shortstop.