Brewers Sign Free Agent Shortstop Alex Gonzalez

The Milwaukee Brewers today signed free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez to a one-year contract with a vesting option for 2013.  Gonzalez completed a physical examination earlier today in Milwaukee.  The announcement was made by Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin.

“Alex brings to our ballclub a veteran presence who has experienced winning in the postseason,” said Melvin.  “He is a plus defender who will be a welcome addition to our infield.”

Gonzalez, 34, batted .241 with 15 HR and 56 RBI in 149 games with Atlanta last season.  He made 146 starts at shortstop and posted a .981 fielding percentage, which ranked third in the National League and fifth in the Major Leagues at the position.

The 13-year veteran owns a career .247 batting average with 152 HR and 665 RBI in 1535 games.  He has played for Florida (1998-2005), Boston (2006, ‘09), Cincinnati (2007, ‘09), Toronto (2010) and Atlanta (2010-11).  He was a National League All-Star as a rookie in 1999 and the starting shortstop of the 2003 World Champion Marlins.

–JOHN

johnandcait@brewers.com