According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, the Braves are nearing an agreement with catcher Gerald Laird.
The 33-year-old will fill the backup job left vacant by David Ross, who signed a two-year deal with the Red Sox earlier this week. Laird hit .282/.337/.374 with two homers and 11 RBI in 191 plate appearances this past season for the American League-champion Tigers.