Perfect in 20 save chances last year, the ex-Red Sox reliever will move into the setup role.

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) – Rod Beck almost drove his famous RV across town to the first day of spring training with the San Diego Padres, just for the heck of it.

He ended up taking his Camaro with the 9SMINE vanity license plate, a nod to his domination of the ninth inning as a closer.

No matter his choice of wheels, Beck will shift gears this season. After reviving his big league career by converting all 20 save chances last year, the reliever affectionately known as “Shooter” will put his pursuit of 300 career saves on hold to serve as setup man for Trevor Hoffman.

And in typical “Shooter” fashion, he has absolutely no problem with that.

“I’d like to be the closer, but I didn’t earn that,” he said. “This is San Diego. This is Trevor Time. Ultimately, I want to win the World Series, and we’re better off with Trevor doing what he does, and I think we’re better off with me doing what I do. If everybody stays healthy, we’ve got a damn good shot at winning this division and going somewhere.”

As opposed to going nowhere like they did last year in finishing an NL-worst 64-98.

Beck, though, at least came in and stabilized a bullpen that was lost without Hoffman, who missed the first five months following two offseason shoulder surgeries.

Hoffman returned in September, although he didn’t pitch in save situations to remain fifth on the career list with 352. Hoffman returns to his role as closer this year, and Beck re-signed for $1.75 million to be the setup man, with a chance for another $1 million in incentives, a nice raise from the $400,000 he made last year.

Beck finished last year 14 saves short of his goal of 300. He had offers from other teams to become their closer, but decided to stay with the Padres, who rebuilt their roster heading into their first season in Petco Park.

“You know what? Loyalty goes a long way,” Beck said. “They treated me good and they made a nice offer and I’ve never played in a new ballpark. And I felt, how tough can it be being here? That is more important than 14 saves. You can’t beat it, playing in Southern California, in a new ballpark and a chance to win.”

At this time last year, Beck was trying to come back after missing the 2002 season because of reconstructive elbow surgery. He was in spring camp with the Chicago Cubs, then started the season at Triple-A Iowa.

“I had a good spring with the Cubs, but I was only throwing like 70 mph, which is probably better than I’m throwing right now. Gimme six weeks, and it’ll be up there. I’ll be blowing 83 again,” joked the 35-year-old Beck, who’s always batting perceptions that he’s too old and washed up.

Last year, he and NL Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne of the Los Angeles Dodgers were the only relievers with at least 20 saves who didn’t blow one.

While in Des Moines, Beck lived in his Winnebago parked just beyond the outfield fence. Fans would drop by for autographs and stay for a beer, and Beck became a folk hero.

Beck might bring his Winnebago to San Diego once his kids are out of school, and rent a spot near the ocean.

“I love that thing,” said Beck, who lives in the Phoenix area in the offseason. “I like driving it better than I like driving my car anymore. People get out of your way a little bit. You’ve got the foghorn. It’s all right.”

Beck’s easygoing manner and high-pitched laugh have made him a favorite in the clubhouse. This year he’ll be joined by another free spirit, new ace David Wells.

Without their caps, the resemblance between the two is eerie. Both have shaved heads, and Beck has a Fu Manchu mustache and Wells a goatee.

“The other day I was in the training room and I looked up and said, “What the hell am I doing sitting over there?” Beck said.

“A guy like him comes around once in a lifetime,” lefty reliever Kevin Walker said of Beck. “He’s an awesome guy. He’s very nice. And he’s got the closer mentally, which is no fear. Before the game, during the game, he’s all fun, but when it’s time for him to get ready, he’s serious.”

Beck, who relies on a split-finger fastball and a curveball, said being back in the big leagues last year felt natural.

“I’ll retire when either my wife and kids tell me to, or the hitters do, and right now I feel like I belong here,” he said.