ATLANTA -- Catcher Gerald Laird will get $3 million for his two-year deal with the Atlanta Braves, and could earn up to $750,000 in performance bonuses if he plays more than expected.
Laird was signed to be Brian McCann's backup after David Ross left for a $6.2 million, two-year deal with Boston. The 33-year-old Laird played for AL champion Detroit this past season, batting .282 with two homers and 11 RBIs.
The deal pays Laird $1.5 million each of the next two seasons, with the chance to earn an additional $250,000 in 2013 and $500,000 in 2014 based on how many games he starts. He would receive $50,000 each for starting 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 games next year, and $100,000 each if he reached those targets the following season.
