"The A's are one of the final teams. We're sorting through everything," Kinzer said.

Kinzer was vague on who the A's main competition is, saying Furcal is considering "three or four teams, probably three."

The Giants are still showing interest, he added, but they are also targeting free agent Edgar Renteria as a backup plan, signaling they're ready to move on if need be.

An ESPN Deportes story said Furcal flew to the West Coast on Monday.

Both Kinzer and A's General Manager Billy Beane denied a report by the Dominican paper El Caribe that Furcal was offered a four-year, $48 million deal by Oakland and was ready to sign.

The same story said the New York Mets were aggressively pursuing Furcal.

"I haven't even talked to (Mets G.M.) Omar Minaya about Rafael Furcal," Kinzer said.

So take all speculation with a grain of salt. But it's obvious that the A's, after trading for slugger Matt Holliday two weeks ago, are serious about making another splashy move to improve their offense.

Incumbent shortstop Bobby Crosby has one year remaining on his contract, but the speedy Furcal, 31, would be an ideal fit as a leadoff hitter, and there has been reported interest in Crosby from other teams.

Beane does not comment on specific free agents as policy, offering only that "we have made some inquiries on free agents."

It's known the A's have spoken with Kinzer about a contract for Furcal, but details haven't been ironed out and a final offer hasn't been made.

Kinzer said Furcal could sign "maybe by the end of this week, or early next week."

After Furcal, Renteria and Orlando Cabrera are the top free-agent shortstops, but Furcal makes the most sense for the A's.

Renteria and Cabrera are ranked as Type A free agents, meaning the A's would lose a draft pick if they signed either.

The Seattle Mariners, who hired Don Wakamatsu away from the A's to be their new manager, have asked the A's for permission to interview hitting coach Ty Van Burkleo. It's not known if permission was granted.