The veteran pitcher, who says this will probably be his last season, cites the advice of Jason Varitek in making his decision.

03:04 PM EST on Monday, March 6, 2006

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Cajoled by teammates and tempered by reality, David Wells revealed yesterday that he had rescinded his request for a trade and intends to remain with the Red Sox for what he believes will be his final season in baseball.

Wells told general manager Theo Epstein Saturday morning about his change of heart. After last season, dissatisfied with what he thought was a suffocating environment in Boston, Wells asked the Red Sox to deal him nearer to his San Diego home.

But the Sox were unable to get comparable value for him, a task made more difficult by Wells' off-season knee surgery which continues to sideline him.

"I think we're a better team this year than we were last year," said Wells, "so if you're going to go out on top, you might as well do it with a team that you feel good with, and this is it. So I told Theo that I'd probably just stay.He had a big smile. I think it took a little pressure off him.

"It was a good conversation. It's for the best. Instead of making a mess of the situation, you just deal with it -- go in with good thoughts and good goals and try to help this team win a championship."

Epstein downplayed the significance of Wells' reversal, insisting it was overblown.

"David's under contract with the Red Sox for 2006 and has been since we signed him," said Epstein. "We're glad he's happy about being part of the team. We feel good about having him."

Wells has one season remaining on his contract, which pays him a $2.5 million base, with $200,000 for every start from his 11th to his 20th and $300,000 for every start between his 21st and

30th. Last season, he was 15-7 with a 4.45 E.R.A., and the beneficiary of the best run-support of any American League starting pitcher.

The Sox discussed several deals for Wells over the winter, but never heard much that interested them. The best the San Diego Padres could offer was a package including former Sox outfielder Dave Roberts and starter Woody Williams. Wells' slow recovery from his off-season surgery made it likely that teams would want to see him throw first before making a deal.

Last season, after 18 years in the big leagues, some spent in New York and Chicago, Wells found it tough to adjust to life in Boston, where players can never truly disappear.

"It's tough not being able to do anything," he lamented, "because you've got crazy fans. They're great fans. But when I go out (at night), my day's over.That's the hardest part -- being subjected to cameras, cell phone cameras, autographs. I went out three times last year and almost got into a fight once. Let us alone.

"There are a lot of good people in Boston. They're great; they're dedicated. (But the suffocating atmosphere) is the worst I've ever seen."

But after conferring with his family, Wells decided he could handle the environment for another season.

"Seeing how they felt (was important)," he said. "They said, 'If it's your last year, we can tough it out.' "

Wells, 42, also solicited the input of teammates, many of whom urged him to re-consider. He cited Jason Varitek as someone who was instrumental in persuading him to remain in Boston.

"He gave me that look," Wells said with smile. "There's something beyond that look he has. He's a great guy who holds this team together. When you have a leader and he wants to hold the team together, that makes a team better. That vibe I got from him was something heavy."

smcadam@projo.com / (401) 277-7340