Rafael Furcal's negotiations are one for the books.

The Braves think they have a deal in principle for the free-agent shortstop. "A gentleman's agreement,'' is what one Braves person said. It's believed to be for $30 million over three years.

However, Furcal was said to be still talking to the Dodgers Tuesday evening, hours after the Braves suggested a deal was done with them. The Dodgers are believed to be interested in re-signing Furcal to a two-year deal with an option.

So to recap, Furcal rejected a four-year deal for about $40 million with the A's to talk to the Braves about a three year deal for $30 million with a vesting option (and according to the Braves, agree to that deal). And after allegedly wrapping things up with the Braves, he's believed to be talking to the Dodgers, mostly likely about a two-year deal with an option.

If he takes a two-year deal with the Dodgers, he will be the first player ever to reject a four-year deal to take a three-year deal for a similar annual salary only to reject that for a two-year deal for a similar salary. If this keeps up, the next stop would be a one-year deal.

This has been a tough one to call from the start. But the best guess now is that he sticks with the Braves. He has a home in Atlanta, and after all these negotiations, probably could use a rest.