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Cardinals ink Furcal to 2-year contract

St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal IL) is hit by Texas Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson with the bases loaded in the fifth inning of Game 7 of the World Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Oct. 28, 2011. UPI/Brian Kersey
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal IL) is hit by Texas Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson with the bases loaded in the fifth inning of Game 7 of the World Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Oct. 28, 2011. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Veteran shortstop Rafael Furcal has opted to return to the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals, signing a two-year contract, the team said Wednesday.

Furcal, a two-time all-star, hit .255 in 50 regular-season games for the Cards last season after being acquired from Atlanta in a trade-deadline deal.

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His contributions helped the Cardinals stage a September run and clinch a wild card berth on the final day of the season.

"Rafael proved to be a great addition for us last season," Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak said. "His leadership and experience was very evident during the pennant race and into the post-season."

Furcal has a .282 career batting average with 990 runs scored and 302 stolen bases over 12 seasons with the Braves, Dodgers and Cardinals.

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