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ATLANTA (AP) — Infielder Alberto Callaspo and the Atlanta Braves have finalized a $3 million, one-year contract.
The deal was agreed to last week at the winter meetings and announced Monday. Callaspo can earn $1 million annually in performance bonuses based on plate appearances: $200,000 for 400 and each additional 50 through 600.
The 31-year-old played second base, first base and third base this year for Oakland.
Callaspo and Phil Gosselin could compete for the starting job at second base with top prospect Jose Peraza. Atlanta traded second baseman Tommy La Stella to the Cubs for right-handed reliever Luis Vizcaino last month.
Callaspo also could play behind Chris Johnson at third base.
Callaspo hit .223 this season, well below his .267 career average. A year earlier, he batted .258 with 10 homers for the Athletics and Angels.
To make room for Callaspo on the roster, Atlanta designated right-hander Anthony Varvaro for assignment.
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