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Kevin Millwood is back with the Philadelphia Phillies for at least one more season -- and possibly more.
Millwood accepted the Phillies' offer of salary arbitration on Friday, assuring he'll be in Philadelphia's improved rotation in 2004.
``I wanted to play
in Philly. It wasn't a tough decision,'' Millwood said.
Millwood, who made $9.9 million in his first season with the Phillies, had been
seeking a five-year contract worth about $15 million per season.
By accepting the offer, he is considered to be a signed player under baseball's rules. If the sides can't work out an agreement, his salary would be determined by an arbitration panel in February.
Phillies general manager Ed Wade said the team wants to sign Millwood to a one-year contract now, but will discuss a longer deal at some point.
``We are extremely pleased to have Kevin back,'' Wade said.
The Phillies offered the right-hander a three-year deal believed to be worth $30 million with an option for a fourth year. Millwood's agent, Scott Boras, rejected the offer, which the Phillies withdrew when they acquired former All-Star Eric Milton from Minnesota earlier this month.
It was a surprise when the Phillies made the arbitration offer Dec. 7, but Wade said the team was willing to take on Millwood's salary for one year, even though it would put them ``significantly over budget.''
Millwood figures to earn about $11 million next season. He had until midnight Friday to accept arbitration.
``The main reason I'm coming back is because I like it there and it's a good team,'' Millwood said.
The Phillies already have added All-Star closer Billy Wagner, who will make $8 million in 2004, and Milton, due to make $9 million in the final year of his contract.
Millwood will anchor a rotation that could be one of the best in baseball. Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla, Milton and Millwood each have been All-Stars, and Brett Myers could even be better.
Phillies manager Larry Bowa said that Millwood will start on opening day for the second consecutive season.
``I have quality starters I'm not afraid to throw out there,'' Bowa said.
Millwood went 14-12 with a 4.01 ERA for the Phillies last year, and pitched a no-hitter against San Francisco on April 27.
He had a poor finish, going 0-3 with two no-decisions in his last five starts, including two disappointing outings against eventual World Series winner Florida with the wild card at stake.
In his last start, Millwood left the field at Veterans Stadium in a strange moment, throwing his glove and hat into the stands as many fans booed. He said he had planned to do that all along, hoping to give fans a souvenir in the final game at the Vet.
``Anytime you finish under what you feel like you should've done, you definitely want to prove to people you can do better,'' Millwood said. ``I know the way September went is not me. I'm better than that.''
Millwood was acquired from Atlanta for catcher Johnny Estrada a year ago in a cost-cutting move by the Braves. The Phillies had hoped to sign Millwood to a contract extension, but talks broke off early last season.
Millwood, who turns 29 on Dec. 24, is 89-58 with a 3.78 ERA. He won 17 games in his first full season in 1998 and twice has won 18 games.
The Phillies won 86 games last season, but finished 15 games behind Atlanta and five behind Florida. They had a half-game lead over the Marlins with eight games left, but were eliminated after losing the next six games.
Philadelphia has spent a lot of money the last two years, beginning with the signings of free agents Jim Thome ($85 million over six years) and David Bell ($17 million over four seasons) last year.
The Phillies are moving into a new ballpark in April and expect to generate more revenue. They could enter spring training as the favorite to win the NL East.