Utilityman Halter Signed

After splurging on four big-bucks free agents, the Angels completed their off-season makeover by dipping into the bargain bin Wednesday, signing veteran utilityman Shane Halter to a one-year contract for $575,000.

Halter, 34, provides a backup at all four infield positions and some power for the bench. He played for the Detroit Tigers last season, hitting .217 with 12 home runs in 360 at-bats. In the 2000 season, he played at least one game at every position, including pitcher.

As an experienced shortstop, Halter offers the Angels the option of sending Alfredo Amezaga to triple-A so he can play every day and stay sharp should he need to replace David Eckstein. The Angel bench at this point includes Halter, outfielder Jeff DaVanon and utilityman Chone Figgins, with Amezaga, catchers Jose Molina and Wil Nieves, infielders Adam Riggs and Robb Quinlan, and outfielder Barry Wesson expected to compete for a roster spot in spring training.

General Manager Bill Stoneman said he believed the Angels are finished signing free agents. In terms of trade talks, he said, “There’s nothing active right now.”

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The back specialist who treated Vladimir Guerrero after his injury last summer and evaluated him in recent days said Guerrero is in wonderful shape and at low risk of another back injury. Guerrero sat out 39 games because of a herniated disk last season, but Dr. Barth Green told the New York Post that after intensive rehabilitation the outfielder is off medication and “in the best shape of his career.”

The Mets, citing an inability to obtain insurance on his back, limited the guarantee in their contract offer to three years and $30 million. The Angels signed Guerrero on Monday, guaranteeing him five years and $70 million.

“I think they will be very happy campers,” Green said.