The deal, an increase of nearly $10 million from the right-hander's free-agent contract in 2003, will keep Escobar in Southern California through 2009.

"This was a priority, [Escobar] is an important part of our starting rotation," general manager Bill Stoneman said. "It's pretty important to nail this one down and get it down going forward. He is still a young guy and still projects to be very productive for three more years."

The two sides initially tried to negotiate during Spring Training, but talks broke down when the Angels' offer made it appear to Escobar and agent Peter Greenberg that the team was concerned with the pitcher's 2005 elbow troubles.

After offering a two-year extension before this season, the Angels called Greenberg recently and the deal was completed in a matter of days.

"It happened quickly, I was surprised," Escobar said. "I know how much they like me here."

In Spring Training, Escobar decided to postpone contract talks until he had a chance to show management he had fully recovered from last June's surgery, which fixed a bone spur and removed a bone chip from his right elbow. The Venezuelan native spent three different stints on the disabled list last year and appeared in only 16 games, starting just seven.

So far this season, Escobar has amassed a 5-5 record with a 3.96 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings pitched. The performance, with no hint of a relapse with his elbow, convinced Stoneman he wouldn't be making a mistake in re-signing the starter.

"The way he has pitched since coming back from last year's injury played into it," Stoneman said. "Now that we've seen him pitch deep into ballgames, [the injury] is no longer a concern for us."

Some may feel that Escobar might ultimately have passed on even more money, as he would likely have been one of the best available starting pitchers on the free-agent market. The 30-year-old said, though, that money wasn't as important as remaining an Angel.

"At this point in my career it's not about the money," Escobar said. "It's about feeling comfortable in the place where you are at, and to be on a winning team in a great place."

The starter, who acknowledged it was a risk not testing the open market, said he's relieved that he no longer has to perform with the pressure of playing for his next contract.

"It was my free-agent year, and even if you don't want to think about it, every time you go out there you feel like you have to pitch good or you don't want to blow your arm," Escobar said. "Something can happen, you know, you're risking yourself at the same time."

Earlier this season, the Angels extended starter John Lackey's contract until 2008, a deal that includes a team option for 2009. The Halos have rights over promising youngsters Ervin Santana and Jered Weaver for at least five more years, meaning -- along with reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon, who is signed through next year -- the team has solidified a rotation in which it has the utmost confidence.

"These guys give us a terrific foundation for what is the most important part of your ballclub, your starting rotation," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We have a lot of good arms here that are doing very well."

Escobar, who spent time as a closer for the Toronto Blue Jays earlier in his career, holds a lifetime 77-74 record, which includes six complete games, three shutouts, 59 saves and a 4.35 ERA.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.