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