According to the Associated Press, the Braves and right hander Rafael Soriano agreed Thursday to a $9M, two-year deal, avoiding arbitration. The team plans to make Soriano their closer this season. He went 3-3 with a 3.00 ERA and nine saves in 71 appearances last year and held opponents to a .181 batting average. The relief pitcher would have been eligible for free agency after the upcoming 2008 season.