The Facts: Batch and the Steelers came to an agreement yesterday on a three-year contract that will pay him more than $1 million annually, nearly double what he earned last season. He was promoted to No. 2 quarterback behind Ben Roethlisberger at midseason when Tommy Maddox faltered. Maddox was released last week. "I didn't really plan on being anywhere else," Batch said.

Diehards Line:Batch threw only eight passes in his first three seasons with the team. Last season, though, he moved up to No. 2 after Maddox played terribly in a loss to Jacksonville Oct. 16. Batch played in four games and started two, both victories. He completed 23 of 36 passes for 246 yards and had one touchdown, one interception and an 81.5 passer rating.