Kevin Millwood retires

Pitcher Kevin Millwood is opting for retirement after 16 seasons in the major leagues, reports Richard Walker of the Shelby Star.

In 2012 Millwood made 28 starts for Seattle with a 4.25 ERA. Prior to hanging up his spikes, he was a free agent but he had reportedly told agent Scott Boras that he wanted to pitch close his Georgia home, with either the Braves or the Rays. Neither team showed any interest in the veteran, so he decided to retire.

At his peak, he was a durable starter capable of occasional dominance. Between 1999 and 2006, he topped 200 innings five times and 190 innings once. In 2005, with the Indians, he led the league with a 2.86 ERA over 192 innings, earning him a sixth place finish in the Cy Young Award voting. 1999 was probably his best season, however. He led the league in WHIP and allowed the fewest hits per nine innings of any starter pitching for the National League Champion Atlanta Braves. Over 228 innings, he posted a team-best 2.68 ERA and an 18-7 record. He had the best winning percentage of any Braves starter that year, edging out 19 game-winner Greg Maddux. He was named to the All-Star game, finished third in the Cy Young voting and even earned a few MVP votes.

Over the past three seasons, Millwood has been a journey man starter struggling to find work. A trade to the Baltimore Orioles ended his four year tenure with the Rangers prior to the 2010 season. Millwood struggled in Baltimore, leading the league in losses that season with 16, thanks in large part to his 5.10 ERA. In 2011, he had a difficult time finding employment. He signed with the Yankees in late March of that year, only to be released on May 1, without ever landing on their major league roster. He picked up later in May by the Red Sox, but he once again failed to make the major league club and he was release in August. The Rockies signed him and he was able to make nine starts for Colorado late down the stretch. He threw 54 innings with a solid 3.98 ERA and earned himself a one year deal with Seattle the next year.

The 38 year old righty won 169 games while pitching for the Braves, Phillies, Indians, Rangers, Mariners, Rockies and Orioles with a career 4.11 ERA.