LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal has decided to re-sign with the National League's Los Angeles Dodgers.
The nine-year veteran made his decision after rejecting a deal with the Atlanta Braves, his team for eight seasons before joining the Dodgers in 2008.
The Oakland Athletics also had expressed mild interest.
Reports said Atlanta offered $30 million for three years, but the 31-year-old native of Loma de Cabrera, Dominican Republic, got a signing option for a fourth year from the Dodgers for the same money.
He batted .357 with five homers and 16 RBI in 36 games in 2008 before season-ending lower back surgery.
"He's a special player," Manager Joe Torre said on the Dodgers' Web site. "When he was healthy, he showed how valuable he is to our lineup."
Furcal has a career .286 batting average, with 83 homers, 418 RBI and 259 stolen bases in 1,150 major league contests.
