While you didn’t read about it in the Los Angeles Times or hear about it on AM 830, the Angels flagship radio station, the Halos made a very quiet, but quite productive offseason signing late Tuesday night.

They resigned utilityman Robb Quinlan.

According to a team source, Quinlan and the Angels avoided arbitration with a $1.1 million contract for 2009 with incentives that could add an additional $125,000 to the original deal.

Generally speaking, Quinlan, a native of St. Paul Minnesota, has never been a major player in the Angels organization. In 2008, he appeared in just 68 games and got 179 plate appearances, while batting .262 in 2008 with one homer and 11 RBIs.

However, the 31 year old Quinlan, who is a career .285 hitter, is a useful option for the Halos in 2009 because of the depth he provides. Last season, in his 44 starts, he made 28 at third base, and the remaining ones at first base, right field, and left field. His versatility should allow players such as Chone Figgins, Kendry Morales, Torii Hunter, and Vladimir Guerrero, to get some rest in preparation for the playoffs.

But most of all, he gives the team flexibility if they look to trade any of their current players. Should the team wish to trade either Figgins or Morales for “a big bat,” Quinlan would be more than capable of starting full-time at either corner position. If the Angels trade outfielder/DH Gary Matthews Jr. or even more likely, release him, than Quinlan could also fill into that fourth outfielder/DH role. But no matter what the Angels decide to do, having Quinlan around on the roster does nothing by help.

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