Page 8-Wednesday, December 6, 1978-The Michigan Daily SALARY HIGHEST IN BASEBALL: Rose-y futur By The Associated Press ORLANDO, Fla. - Pete Rose ended his madcap free agent sweepstakes yesterday by signing with the Philadelphia Phillies for a reported $3.2 million covering four years, making him the game's highest paid player. He insisted that he took less money than offered by Atlanta, St. Louis, Pit- tsburgh, and Kansas City. Rose chose a team on which he has close friends, Larry Bowa, Greg Luzinski and Mike Schmidt. THE 37-YEAR-OLD Rose flew to the winter baseball meetings here when he told a jam-packed news conference his free agent odyssey accomplished all his goals. By choosing the Phillies, National League East champions, the 12-time All-Star infielder-outfielder, landed with a contender, remained in conten- tion for the league's all-time hit lead held by Stan Musial, and became the highest-paid player in baseball. R ose, who played out his option after 16 years with the Cincinnati Reds, will switch from third to first base with the Phillies, who already have Gold Glove third baseman Mike Schmidt. ONLY LAST Thursday, Rose had eliminated the Phillies and their 2.2 million bid from the sweepstakes and left the previously-mentioned four teams in the running. But one by one, those teams were ruled out on Monday, and Philadelphia resurfaced when they added a year to the pact and raised the total to $3.2 million with certain incen- tive clauses. ! think I'm more happy than he is. Imagine play- ing 162 games alongside a guy you idolized your whole career. - I'illies shortstop Larry Bowa : st::t ;i^....,: ,Sr