Braves sign Joe Thurston

[FrankEC]

Haven't seen this reported anywhere else. This goes into the "Why? :headscratch:" category.

St Louis Today (http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/commishs-hot-stove/commishs-hot-stove/cardinal-beat-updates/2009/12/thurston-signs-with-atlanta-braves/)

[Agent-X-]

More minor league depth? He has an invite to spring training. No idea if he would accept an assignment to the minors. This could just be a try out...

[bravos4evr]

probably just an insurance premium for a middle infielder bench option. Just in case diory or others don't hack it in spring training and get sent back down.

[KB 34]

Off the top of my head the backup infielders will be Infante and who knows. Add another option to who knows. Boring signing but a necessary signing.

[Hillbilly]

"Here you go, Joe. Put your stuff in this locker, here...and tear off that sticker that says 'Chris Burke.' Welcome to Gwinnett."