BOSTON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Tim Wakefield, arguably baseball's most versatile pitcher, Tuesday agreed to stay with the Boston Red Sox through the 2005 season, signing a three-year contract worth a reported $13.02 million.
Wakefield, a 36-year-old knuckleballer, is coming off one of his best seasons. He went 11-5 with a 2.81 ERA -- fourth-best in the American League -- in 45 appearances. As a starter, Wakefield was 9-3 with a 2.39 ERA in 15 appearances, going 6-1 with a 1.66 ERA in his final nine outings.
According to published reports, Wakefield will be paid $4 million next season, $4.35 million in 2004 and $4.67 million in 2005.
Last season, opponents hit just .204 against Wakefield, the second-best figure in the league. He also played a key role in the Red Sox's community services and was Boston's nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which is given to the player who succeeds on and off the field.
"Tim's contribution to the success of the ballclub, and in particular his versatility, has made him an integral part of the Red Sox," interim general manager Mike Port said.
"Additionally, we are proud of the leadership role that has distinguished Tim off the field with the tremendous amount of community work in which he participates."
A 10-year veteran, Wakefield is 105-94 with a 4.25 ERA in 357 games, including 220 starts.
Signed as a minor league free agent in April 1995, Wakefield has 91 wins and 18 saves for the Red Sox. He is among the most durable pitchers in the league, with just one stint on the disabled list in the last eight years.
