greasywheels121 Posted December 3, 2003 Share Posted December 3, 2003 Lowell signs 4 year MIAMI -- The World Series champion Florida Marlins and Mike Lowell agreed Tuesday to a four-year contract that would pay the All-Star third baseman $32 million. But there's a catch. Lowell The contract would kick in only if the Marlins get a new stadium deal approved. If a new stadium is not approved, the contract becomes a one-year guarantee with a player option, leaving the decision to remain with the club up to Lowell. That deal would be worth $14 million over the two years, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. The contract is contingent on Lowell passing his physical exam. A news conference to announce Lowell's re-signing is scheduled for Wednesday. The team also has made a multiyear offer to All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez. And the Marlins are close to re-signing free-agent reliever Chad Fox, Stark reports. Fox worked 25 1-3 innings last season in a setup role after Florida signed him in the second half. Florida has until Sunday to sign Rodriguez, whose previous contract prohibits the Marlins from offering salary arbitration. He hit .297 with 16 homers and 85 RBIs during the regular season, then had three homers and 17 RBIs in the postseason and was selected MVP of the NL championship series victory over the Chicago Cubs. General manager Larry Beinfest said Florida made Rodriguez "a good-faith offer on a multiyear commitment within our abilities" but wouldn't discuss specifics. The Marlins say they cannot afford a significant increase over last year's $54 million payroll. Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, did not return a telephone call seeking comment. "There's sufficient time left hopefully to get a deal done," Beinfest said. "I cannot tell you what Pudge's or Mr. Boras' intentions are from this point." Lowell, who would have been eligible for free agency after next season, led the Marlins with 32 homers and 105 RBIs this year. The third baseman missed virtually all of September with a broken hand. "Mike's here and third base is not an issue, as is second base," Beinfest said. "We brought back two All-Star players. They're here for multiple years and we think they're a big part of this ballclub's future." Free-agent second baseman Luis Castillo, a two-time All-Star, reached agreement Monday night on a three-year contract worth $16 million. The figure also includes a $2 million signing bonus. The only regular position player guaranteed not to return is first baseman Derrek Lee, traded to the Chicago Cubs last week for first baseman Hee Seop Choi and a player to be named. "We have big parts of this team under contract," Beinfest said. "We expect to be back and be competitive in '04 ... and that we have allocated the money in the right places to be competitive." Beinfest said strengthening the bullpen is a priority, but said closer Ugueth Urbina is not likely to return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted December 3, 2003 Share Posted December 3, 2003 Seems like the Marlins are giving him a bit more money because of this outclause. I like Lowell though, but 8 mill is steep for him. I could see that backfiring, especially with his checkered past. It will probably be hard to get insurance on him. This could blowup to hurt the Marlins, but the fact that they are seriously trying to keep that team together is great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greasywheels121 Posted December 3, 2003 Author Share Posted December 3, 2003 This could blowup to hurt the Marlins, but the fact that they are seriously trying to keep that team together is great. That's what I like the most about this. At least they're not pulling what they did in 1997. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitesoxfan99 Posted December 3, 2003 Share Posted December 3, 2003 That's what I like the most about this. At least they're not pulling what they did in 1997. They still need to sign Pudge though, he should have been their first priority. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted December 3, 2003 Share Posted December 3, 2003 They still need to sign Pudge though, he should have been their first priority. But with Borass as his agent, he is the most difficult and least likely to sign quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted December 3, 2003 Share Posted December 3, 2003 They hav until Sunday to sign Pudge because his previous contract prohibits the Marlins from offering salary arbitration. But they hav a multiyear offa to him and they also expect to resign Chad Fox as well. ESPN Article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YASNY Posted December 3, 2003 Share Posted December 3, 2003 With Boras as IRod's agent, I can't see him talking the Marlin's offer without him testing free agency again. He proved that he has it last year, and that was the reason he accepted the one year deal, as there was some doubt out there as to whethet he could be the IRod of old. Note: I did not once refer to IRod with Carlton Fisk's nickname. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwsox Posted December 3, 2003 Share Posted December 3, 2003 Note: I did not once refer to IRod with Carlton Fisk's nickname. That is because, sir, you are a true American patriot, a loyal die hard Sox fan, and a sophisticated person who is a baseball lover of class, taste, intelligence, and discernment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted December 3, 2003 Share Posted December 3, 2003 What an innovative contract. I have never seen anything like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
103 mph screwball Posted December 3, 2003 Share Posted December 3, 2003 There are a lot of things about Lowell's contract that impress me. It probably calms the Florida fan's fears of the team being completely dismantled like it was in 1997. I do not think they over paid for the all-star third baseman. Most of all the clause about the new stadium is great. Now, if they don't get the new stadium, the politicians will be responsible for the Marlins playing in the inadequate old stadium AND for Mike Lowell leaving town. This deal will help them keep fans and increase the chance of a new stadium. Nice. 103 mph Screwball Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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