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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 7:55 a.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2008

MLB: Agent says Furcal will pick between Braves and Dodgers

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Rafael Furcal's agent said the shortstop was likely to decide Wednesday whether to sign with the Atlanta Braves or the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Paul Kinzer had said Tuesday that Furcal was close to accepting the Braves' offer.

"They know we didn't have a signed contract, that we didn't have even a verbal agreement. We had, 'Things look very good and Raffy's going to sleep on it,'" Kinzer said after a news conference for another client, Francisco Rodriguez.

Atlanta's offer was for a $30 million, three-year deal with a 2012 option that could become guaranteed. There were reports Tuesday that Furcal had agreed with the Braves, which Kinzer denied.

Braves general manager Frank Wren hasn't commented publicly.

"I'm embarrassed and I'm sure Frank is embarrassed," Kinzer said.

The 31-year-old Furcal began his major league career with Atlanta, playing for the Braves from 2000-05. He spent the last three seasons with the Dodgers.

Furcal hit .357 last season with five homers and 16 RBIs but had back surgery July 3 and was limited to 36 games and 143 at-bats. He returned to the lineup Sept. 24 and played in four games during the final week of the season.