SAN FRANCISCO -- David Bell would like to return to the San Francisco Giants as long as it's for more than one year.

The 30-year-old third baseman declined his $3.5 million option with the team Thursday and filed for free agency.

"I had to make a decision this week,'' Bell said Friday. "To be honest, it was an easy decision. Not because I didn't want to play with the Giants, but because I want to play for more than one year. It should be to no one's surprise.''

Bell played an integral part in helping the Giants reach the World Series for the first time since 1989. They lost to the Anaheim Angels in seven games.

Acquired from Seattle in January, Bell hit .261 with 20 home runs and 73 RBI in the regular season and helped solidify the team's infield defense. He also was a positive presence in the clubhouse, being selected for the 2002 "Willie Mac'' award, which is voted on by the team for the most inspirational player. It was established in 1980 in honor of Hall of Famer Willie McCovey.

The Giants hope to have him back, but they have many offseason personnel issues to resolve, including whether to re-sign 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent.

"He knew we had a desire to have him,'' assistant general manager Ned Colletti said of Bell. "He's looking for something more than one year. There are quite a few players right now that we're juggling, where they fit and if they fit.''

Bell said he had already been contacted from a couple of teams, but would not say who. The Giants have exclusive negotiating rights with Bell until Nov. 11. After that, he is free to sign with any team.

"I want a longterm contract,'' Bell said. "I enjoyed it. It couldn't have gotten much better until the very end.''

Bell, who has played eight years in the majors, is the son of former Colorado manager Buddy Bell and grandson of former major leaguer Gus Bell _ both All-Stars.