[MJHMarc]

ATLANTA (AP) -The Atlanta Braves signed right-hander Tanyon Sturtze to a one-year contract Sunday on the eve of the winter meetings, hoping he will be able to come back from rotator cuff surgery.

Sturtze is guaranteed $750,000 and would make another $350,000 if he spends one day on the Braves' 25-man roster. He also could earn another $450,000 in bonuses based on the number of appearances he makes as a starter and reliever.

The 36-year-old Sturtze missed most of last season with the New York Yankees after undergoing surgery on May 23. He had a 7.59 ERA in 18 appearances before going on the disabled list.

Sturtze has pitched 269 games during a big league career that began in 1995 with the Chicago Cubs and includes stints with the Chicago White Sox, Texas, Tampa Bay and Toronto. He is 40-44 with three saves and a 5.21 ERA.

Sturtze spent the last three years working mostly out of the Yankees' bullpen in middle and long relief. He made $1.5 million this past season.

Good Move?

[MVB]

Sturze had a nice run in '05, but was as bad as he could be in '04 and '06. I don't think he'll be much of a difference maker in the Braves' pen, but, if he recovers well from his surgery, he could pitch some decent games.