Braves reach deal with Prado, re-sign Wilson

As of Saturday, January 14, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Albany Herald

Martin Prdao signs a 4.75 million contract for the 2012 season.

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves avoided arbitration with outfielder Martin Prado, agreeing Friday to a $4.75 million contract for 2012, and also brought back utility infielder Jack Wilson with a scaled-down deal.

Prado, who made $3.1 million last season, is a versatile player who could be the long-term replacement at third base when Chipper Jones retires. He moved to left field in 2011 and slumped a bit, batting .260 with 13 homers and 57 RBIs. Before that, he had three straight years hitting above .300.

Prado reached his agreement shortly after filing for arbitration. Three other Atlanta players also filed: pitcher Jair Jurrjens, outfielder Michael Bourn and reliever Eric O'Flaherty.

Wilson agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract that also includes the chance to earn $500,000 in performance bonuses. He made $5 million last season.

The 34-year-old Wilson gives the Braves a veteran to pair with 22-year-old rookie Tyler Pastornicky, expected to take over as starting shortstop after Alex Gonzalez signed with Milwaukee. Wilson was acquired from Seattle last season just before the trade deadline for non-waiver deals; the 10-year veteran combined to hit .243 with 11 RBIs in 79 games.

Pastornicky spent most of 2011 with Double-A Mississippi before a promotion to Triple-A Gwinnett. He hit .314 with seven homers, 45 RBIs and 27 stolen bases and spent the final day of the season on the big league roster.

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