Braves Sign Closer

Braves, Soriano reach 2-year deal

ATLANTA (AP) - The Atlanta Braves agreed to a two-year deal on

today with Rafael Soriano, a right-handed reliever the team plans

to use as its closer.

Financial terms were not immediately available, but when

arbitration figures were exchanged last week Soriano was seeking

3.4 million dollars and the team offered 2.4 million.

General manager Frank Wren said Soriano will have an important

role in 2008 as the closer.

Soriano had a 3.00 ERA in a career-high 71 appearances last

year. He converted nine of his 12 save opportunities and held

opponents to a .181 batting average.

Soriano would have been eligible for free agency after the 2008

season.