PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Terry Adams, who had never started a major league game before last season, on Tuesday agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Phillies on a deal that could pay him $19.5 million over three years.
The sides agreed to a contract that will pay Adams a guarantee $2.7 million next season with bonuses that can increase the value to $4.8 million.
The club also holds options for 2003 and 2004.
With incentives, Adams' $5.4 million salary in 2003 could be bumped to $6.6 million, and his $7.5 million price tag in 2004 could reach $8.1 million.
Adams, 28, made millions on others' injuries. Last season, he joined Los Angeles' injury-depleted staff in June and went 10-6 with a 4.16 ERA in 22 starts.
The righthander had made 363 relief appearances in parts of seven seasons with the Chicago Cubs and Dodgers before making his first career start.
Adams effectively switches rotation spots with lethander Omar Daal, who was traded to Los Angeles for minor league pitchers Eric Junge and Jesus Cordero on Nov.9.
It looks like the Phils again will have a rather inexperienced rotation in 2002. Adams is the lone newcomer, joining veteran Robert Person, Randy Wolf and the young combination of Dave Coggin, Brandon Duckworth and Nelson Figueroa.
Even with their young rotation, the Phillies stayed in the race for the National League East Division title until the final week, finishing two games behind Atlanta at 86-76.
Philadelphia went 65-97 and ended up 30 games behind the Braves in 2000 before naming Larry Bowa manager.
Adams finished last season 12-8 with a 4.33 ERA. In 385 career games for the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, the Alabama native is 37-43 with a 4.04 ERA.
To make room for Adams on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated lefthander Thomas Jacquez for assignment. He was 10-7 with a 3.45 ERA for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre of the Class AAA International League last year.
