TLANTA -- Rafael Furcal and Kyle Farnsworth, the Braves' two most attractive free agents, filed for free agency Monday.

Furcal, who just returned from his native Domincan Republic, and his agent Paul Kinzer will meet with Braves general manager John Schuerholz within the next two days to determine if progress has been made in contract negotiations.

By filing for free agency, Furcal and Farnsworth have taken the step necessary to allow other teams to express their interest in their services. Until Nov. 11, the Braves are the only team that can discuss financial specifics.

Furcal signed his first professional contract with the Braves in 1996 and has been in Atlanta since his 2000 Rookie of the Year season. Entering free agency for the first time in his career, the 28-year-old shortstop has made it known that his first choice is to stay with the Braves.

"He considers Atlanta to be his home and loves [Braves manager] Bobby Cox," Kinzer said last Friday. "But he pretty much prepared himself throughout the season that he might not be back."

The Braves expressed interested in extending Furcal's contract in late July. But talks didn't begin to materialize until mid-September.

Furcal's strong 2005 season makes him one of the most appealing free agents this offseason. As arguably one of the game's best shortstops and leadoff hitters, he's recognized as a top commodity.

Farnsworth, who is represented by Barry Meister, also should gain some interest on the free agent market. His emergence as a reliable closer in the season's second half allowed him to live up to the enormous potential he's possessed throughout his Major League career.

Other Braves who have filed for free agency include Julio Franco, Eddie Perez and Todd Hollandsworth. Brian Jordan and Jay Powell are their only free agents who haven't filed. Powell's career likely ended when he broke his arm while throwing a pitch in July.