Stltoday.com reports that Utlity infielder Joe Thurston has signed a split contract with the Atlanta Braves.  A split contract includes salary rates to be paid to the player while they are in the minors, and if they get promoted during the lifespan of the contract, they will earn a Major League salary rate.  Thurston also gets an invite to Spring Training.

Thurston, 30, played with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009.  In 124 games he hit .225 with a .316 on-base percentage.  He was courted by the Phillies, Yankees, Rockies, Dodgers and Indians during this off season.