LOS ANGELES — Rafael Furcal accepted a three-year contract with the Dodgers worth at least $30 million Wednesday, and the Braves accused the shortstop of reneging on a deal they claimed was consummated.
On Tuesday, Furcal was close to accepting Atlanta’s $30 million, three-year offer.
“From our perspective, we reached an agreement Monday night,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said. “They asked for a term sheet for us to sign on Tuesday morning, and we sent over the signed termed sheet.”
Agent Paul Kinzer said Furcal had never accepted the 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.
Furcal hit .357 with five homers and 16 RBIs last season.
Footnotes.
Dave Smith, a former all-star closer who holds the Astros record for games pitched (563), died of an apparent heart attack. He was 53.
• Padres outfielder Brian Giles is being sued by his former girlfriend for more than $10 million, alleging he battered her while she was pregnant and caused her to have a miscarriage.
• Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain’s arraignment on drunken-driving charges in Lincoln, Neb., has been delayed until Jan. 26.
The Associated Press
