Red Sox extend Wakefield's contract

BOSTON, April 19 (UPI) -- Boston Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield has a new contract that could keep him with the team for the rest of his career.

The Red Sox Tuesday extended Wakefield's contract through 2006 and will have yearly options to extend it.

"This agreement virtually guarantees Wake will retire as a Boston Red Sox, which is fitting," General Manager Theo Epstein said.

"In the long, proud history of this franchise, few men have brought greater honor to the uniform."

Wakefield, 38, is 2-0 with a 1.37 ERA this season, his 11th with Boston.

His career statistics include a 130-111 record and 4.27 ERA.