Southpaw reliever led Seattle with eight wins in 2004
By Jim Street / MLB.com
Ron Villone made 10 starts and 46 relief appearances in 2004. (Steve Nesius/AP)
SEATTLE -- Left-hander Ron Villone has accepted the Mariners' offer of salary arbitration and expects to finalize a deal without the help of an arbitrator.
"After considering my options, I decided it's in the best interests of myself and my family to come back to Seattle next season," Villone said early Sunday evening from his offseason home in New Jersey. "I pretty much had decided to do that, and the last couple of signings made my decision even easier."
The Mariners signed free agents Richie Sexson on Wednesday and Adrian Beltre on Friday, giving the team considerable firepower at the corners.
"There are a lot of home runs right there, and good defense, as well," Villone said. "It was definitely nice to see that happen, but my heart has been in Seattle all along."
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