Astros Sign Lima For $19M

January 5, 2000 / 6:20 PM EST / CBS/AP

Jose Lima, the Astros pitcher who has endeared himself to Houston fans with his flamboyance, agreed Wednesday to an $18.75 million, three-year contract that avoids salary arbitration.

"It's been a great thing for me to come to this city. I'm making money now, and I don't want to leave for a long time," Lima said at a news conference Tuesday, accompanied by his wife, Melissa, and 18-month-old son, Jose Jr.

Lima, an afterthought in an eight-player trade with the Detroit Tigers in 1996, has gone 37-18 in the past two seasons, including 21-10 with a 3.58 ERA last year as Houston won its third straight NL Central title.

"Jose waited for the opportunity, seized the opportunity, took advantage of the opportunity and has become one of the best pitchers in the National League," Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker said.

Lima, 27, is known for his on-mound exuberance.

"Like it or not, I like to do my dancing, my (shark-fin style) rally cap," he said. "If you don't like it, don't play against me. Take the day off and enjoy it from the dugout. That's just how I am."

Hunsicker, a buttoned-down traditionalist, said he'd like to see some of Lima's spontaneity rub off on his teammates.

"I think what makes Jose unique is not his skill as a pitcher but his willingness to express himself when he's not only out on the mound, but whenever he's in public," Hunsicker said. "He's not afraid of what people think. I really believe that has played a part in his success."

Astros remember that in spring training two years ago, Lima was hit hard by the Royals and demoted to the bullpen but didn't complain.

"I won't forget that Kansas City day for the rest of my life. Two and two-thirds innings, nine runs," Lima said. "When I went in the (manager's) office the next day, I said, `Oh guys, I'll see you later.' I thought I was going to get released."

When he was assured a spot on the roster, Lima guaranteed Hunsicker he'd win at least 15 games.

"People laughed behind my back," Lima said. He answered with a 16-8 breakout season.

Lima drew the same guffaws last spring when he promised a 20-win season on a national radio talk show.

"They say, `There goes Lima again,' " he said. "People don't want to believe in me. But I believe in myself more than anybody. When I take the mound, I think I'm the best pitcher on Earth.

With December's trade of staff ace Mike Hampton to the New York Mets, Lima and Shane Reynolds will anchor a rotation that likely will include Chris Holt and newcomer Octavio Dotel. Scott Elarton, rebounding from off-season shoulder surgery, also could have a spot if he's ready this spring.

Hunsicker said Tuesday he's pursuing another arm that could vie for the rotation. Such a deal could be announced this week, he said.

Lima, who made $2,225,000 last year, would have been eligible for free agency after the 2001 season. He gets a $4.5 million signing bonus that's payable over three years, $3.75 million this season, $4.75 million in 2001 and $5.75 million in 2002. He can earn a total of $2.25 million in performance bonuses in the final two years of the contract.

Holt and outfielder Roger Cedeno are the only Astros still eligible for arbitration.