Looking for the Old Eckstein

The Angels’ off-season makeover did not include an upgrade at shortstop, so the team is probably going with an old reliable, David Eckstein.

Only last season, Eckstein wasn’t so reliable.

The catalyst of the 2002 World Series champions hit a career-low .252 with a .325 on-base percentage during an injury-hampered season, prompting Manager Mike Scioscia temporarily to drop him from the leadoff spot and end a span of 237 games atop the batting order.

“The main thing was, I couldn’t repeat my stroke,” said Eckstein, who suffered from nerve irritation in his right leg late in the season. “I was fighting myself the whole year.”

Eckstein said he is “100% recovered” from his injuries, but realizes he must regain his consistency at the plate to claim the starting spot. Alfredo Amezaga, who is pushing Eckstein at the position, dazzled in the field during his brief call-up last September but has not hit at the major league level.

Scioscia attributed Eckstein’s slump solely to injuries and said he expected a return to form in 2004.

“If he’s healthy, he’ll have the offensive approach and will be able to create like he did before,” Scioscia said. “We’re very confident in that.”

Eckstein proved to be a capable table-setter during his first two full big league seasons, hitting .293 with a .363 on-base percentage in 2002.

“He’s a guy that sets the tone for everybody on this club because he works pitchers so hard,” batting coach Mickey Hatcher said. “Hopefully by the time they get to Vladimir [Guerrero] and those guys, he’s tired them out.”

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Amezaga was among eight players who agreed to terms on 2004 contracts, the Angels said Friday. The others were infielders Chone Figgins and Dallas McPherson, catchers Jose Molina and Tom Gregorio and pitchers Greg Jones, Bobby Jenks and Tim Bittner.

Of the group, Figgins and Molina are the two most likely to make the team. Figgins will earn $320,000, Molina $335,000.