The A's have improved their initial four-year offer to Furcal, according to major-league sources.

Furcal, 31, does not appear to have another four-year proposal, though negotiations are fluid and subject to change.

Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, said last week that the A's, Dodgers, Blue Jays and Royals were the four finalists for his client. Other teams, however, could be in the mix.

The Dodgers will not offer Furcal four years and maybe not even three, sources say. The Jays are unable to compete economically. The Royals might need to trade outfielder Jose Guillen to clear payroll.

Guillen, 32, is owed $24 million over the next two seasons, but Royals officials say that moving him would be counter-productive because the team needs his power.

The A's initial four-year offer to Furcal was believed to be for between $35 million and $40 million. The Dodgers and other clubs have been reluctant to offer him four years due to his injury history.

If Furcal signs with the A's, the Dodgers could turn to free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera or re-sign free agent Angel Berroa, a lesser player. They also could revive trade talks for the Pirates' Jack Wilson.

Kansas City Royals News News » Sources: A's up offer, look like leaders for Furcal 2008-12-15
Sources: A's up offer, look like leaders for Furcal 2008-12-15
From every indication, the A's are the front-runner to sign free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal. MLB Hot Stove