Braves sign Gerald Laird to a two year deal

[BRAVE KID]

‏@mlbbowman Sounds like the Braves are close to reaching an agreement with veteran catcher Gerald Laird.

Mark Bowman

[iamaj]

Not exactly thrilled about this choice. Maybe he starts off hot, then Mac returns once he cools off. I'd rather have Ross who's 2-3 years older.

[Wrench]

If he is half the price of what Ross got I'll be thrilled. One of the two guys I wanted after Ross left.

[Coach100]

Laird is a backup. He is what he is......

[BRAVE KID]

If he can call a good game and is good defensively (and of course much cheaper than ross b/c if not then why didn't we just keep Ross?). I'll take it.

Rossy spoiled us. Plain and simple. We will now enter the realm of what a backup catcher normally looks like...just like the majority of the league.

[iamaj]

At least the Braves have their 8 hole hitter for April. Happiest guy about this? Dan Uggla. No one will give him **** with Laird in the game. The Braves could bring back Conrad and Melky, and this guy would take the heat off them.

[BRAVE KID]

They will always give Uggs ****. He's making that contract...

[MCSJR2]

Is Pierzynski totally out of the question??

[beldugo]

Is Pierzynski totally out of the question??

Yes. Too much money and i doubt he take a 1 year deal.

[Wrench]

Is Pierzynski totally out of the question??

We needed a backup not a starter, he will want starter money. Least 6m a season plus.

[ATLKoos16]

Laird is a solid backup. I mentioned him as soon as Ross signed elsewhere.

[flea]

Laird is pretty ****** but I guess he's going to be cheap. I'd rather not over-spend on a backup catcher since gauging their production is dicey anyway and they're so injury prone. Good to put better use of that money in our bench, 2 outfield holes, and a bullpen arm or possibly 2.

[Bravo95]

The ultimate "meh" signing.

I'll wait for the numbers, but if it means they can invest more into the OF/bench acquisitions, then fine.

[iamaj]

If he is really cheap and the Braves want to be frugal to make a big splash elsewhere, it's cool.

That said, I can't say I understand Wren exercising Mac's option and letting Ross go. Honestly, neither probably were in the long-term plans, but Ross would have been cheaper and healthier. I'm certainly hoping the Braves don't try to sign McCann after this season.

[HowFit]

Just shows how good we had it with Ross last few years. Laird a decent backup. Just like to know how much...