The Braves were interested in Rafael Furcal as a shortstop, back when they thought they were going to trade Yunel Escobar to the Padres in a Jake Peavy deal.
But when the Braves reached agreement late Monday night to bring Furcal back to Atlanta, it was as a second baseman. Furcal agreed to terms on a three-year deal, sources confirmed to CBSSports.com, with an option for a fourth year.
While Paul Kinzer, Furcal's agent, was telling people Tuesday that he was still talking to the Dodgers, the Braves firmly believe that Furcal has already chosen to play in Atlanta and that the deal that was agreed to will be completed.
The Braves plan to keep Escobar, according to officials familiar with their plans. After offering him to the Padres as the key to a deal for Peavy, the Braves are now determined not to trade him.
"It would take an act of Congress to get him moved now," one of the officials said.
There is a chance the Braves would trade Kelly Johnson, who played second base last year. But the immediate plan is for Johnson to play left field.
The Braves are still hoping to trade for another starting pitcher, although it's unlikely that they would revive talks for Peavy. Some Braves officials now look back and say they were fortunate the Padres broke off the Peavy talks last month. The feeling now is that the Braves would have given up too much in that proposed trade.
It is possible the Braves could solve their need for a starting pitcher through the free-agent market, but they're expected to explore trades first.
FOXSports.com first reported Furcal's decision to go to Atlanta.
