Braves reach deal with SS Furcal

Dec 16, 2008 - 3:21 PM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Rafael Furcal will be reunited with the Atlanta Braves, according to FoxSports.com.

The web site reported Tuesday that the free agent shortstop has agreed to a three-year deal with the Atlanta, where he spent the first six seasons of his career.

Financial terms are not known, but the Oakland Athletics, once considered the front-runner in the Furcal sweepstakes, had reportedly offered a four-year deal in the $40 million range.

The deal, which is thought to include a vesting option for a fourth season, is expected to be announced Tuesday, pending a team physical.

Furcal left the Braves after the 2005 season to sign a three-year, $39 million free-agent contract with the Dodgers.

A .286 lifetime hitter with 259 steals, Furcal played in just 36 games last season because of a back injury that eventually required surgery.

Signing the 31-year-old Furcal gives Atlanta the option of trading shortstop Yunel Escobar, whose name had come up in recent trade talks involving San Diego Padres starter Jake Peavy.