01:00 AM EST on Friday, January 13, 2006

BALTIMORE -- First baseman Kevin Millar agreed to a $2.1 million, one-year contract yesterday with the Baltimore Orioles, who hope the former Boston Red Sox star can provide leadership and some punch in the lineup.

"I see him playing a lot of first base, designated hitter and in the outfield," Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo said. "We get a guy with playoff experience, someone who was part of a World Series team. We can use that kind of player in our clubhouse."

The 34-year-old Millar, who can make an additional $2.6 million in performance bonuses, hit .276 with 25 home runs and 96 RBIs with the Red Sox in 2003.

Millar batted .297 with 18 homers and 74 RBIs for the World Series champions in 2004, but his production dropped last year, when he hit .272 with nine homers and 50 RBIs. He did, however, remain a leader in the Boston clubhouse, and he hopes to do the same in Baltimore.

"I'm not a very good player, but I will bring a presence (where) there's not many cliques," Millar said.

"Kevin will be missed," Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield said. "He was the guy that always kept things light and humorous and funny. Baltimore is getting a pretty good hitter and a great teammate, a guy that makes things fun."