<p>Eddie Perez is returning to the Atlanta Braves, and this time hes got a chance to play a lot more for them.</p><p>Perez, the backup catcher for the Braves in seven division-winning seasons, agreed Wednesday to a $1.25 million, two-year contract to rejoin the team.</p><p>Perez, who gets $625,000 annually, likely will share time with Johnny Estrada, who is expected to move up as the starting catcher after the team did not make an offer to retain free agent Javy Lopez.</p><p>The Braves acquired part-time catcher Eli Marrero and right fielder J.D. Drew from St. Louis last week. The signing of Perez showed the Braves plan to make use of Marreros ability to play several positions.</p><p>Eli Marrero is not just a catcher, Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. Hes a super utility player who can play third base or right field or center field or first base, and he also can catch.</p><p>The Braves need insurance for the injury-prone Drew in right field and also are expected to have new starters at third base and first base. Marrero provides an option if the projected new starters _ Mark DeRosa at third base or Adam LaRoche at first base _ cannot hold the jobs.</p><p>DeRosa has never been a full-time starter and LaRoche has no major league experience.</p><p>Because we wanted to be sure we had the flexibility of utilizing (Marrero) throughout the lineup in a variety of places, having Eddie as a catcher gives (manager) Bobby (Cox) that flexibility, Schuerholz said.</p><p>Similarly, Perez provides Cox an alternative if Estrada struggles after spending most of last season with Triple-A Richmond.</p><p>Perez, 35, replaced the injured Lopez and was named MVP of the 1999 NL championship series after batting .500 with two homers and five RBIs.</p><p>After spending 1995 through 2001 with the Braves, Perez joined the Cleveland Indians in 2002 and was with the Milwaukee Brewers last season, when he hit .271 had career highs of 11 homers and 45 RBIs in 107 games.</p><p>Perez has hit .257 with 35 homers and 153 RBIs in his major league career.</p><p>Eddie did a fine job with Milwaukee last year, Schuerholz said. He has always provided exceptional leadership. Eddie will make our team stronger. Were happy to have him back.</p><p>In addition to his salary, Perez would get $25,000 each for 45 and 60 games, and $50,000 for 120 games.</p>
