Marlins set to roll offseason dice

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

MIAMI -- Free agency can often be a risky business.

For a low revenue-generating team like the Marlins, it's imperative to make shrewd and smart investments when scanning for players on the open market.

Over the past few seasons, general manager Admin Beinfest has pulled off a number of savvy signings. Before the 2003 season, Beinfest stunned the baseball world by securing perennial All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez in a one-year, $10 million deal. It took some creative bookkeeping to finalize the contract, which included $7 million in deferred payments. The signing played a significant role in the Marlins winning the 2003 World Series.

And last December, Beinfest showed the magic touch by signing free agent closer Armando Benitez to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. It proved to be one of the biggest bargains in the league.

After a disappointing 2003, where he bounced around from the Mets to the Yankees to the Mariners, Benitez enjoyed a senstational '04. The hard-throwing right-hander set a Marlins record with 47 saves in 51 attempts. He also posted a 1.29 ERA and earned a trip to the All-Star Game.

A year ago, Beinfest successfully rolled the dice that a change of scenery would benefit Benitez. The gamble paid off.

With the free agent signing period set to begin on Friday, will Beinfest and the Marlins be able to duplicate their past success?

Benitez again is a free agent.

Based on what he just accomplished, the veteran already is in high demand, with at least eight teams interested in offering a multiyear contract. The Cubs, White Sox and Indians are believed to be in the mix.

With budgetary constraints, the Marlins are pressed to retain their most coveted free agents -- Benitez and Carl Pavano.

Like Benitez, Pavano enjoyed an All-Star season while establishing a significant club record.

Pavano went 18-8 with a 3.00 ERA, becoming the first Marlin to win as many as 18 games.

Last week, Pavano's agent, Scott Shapiro, met with Beinfest before the right-hander officially filed for free agency.

The Marlins extended a three-year, $21 million offer.

While appreciative, Pavano isn't making any hasty decisions as to where he will pitch in 2005.

Pavano intends to shop around. The Yankees, Red Sox and Orioles are expected to make strong pitches.

"I think I owe it to myself and my family to see what kind of commitments I can get from other teams," Pavano said late last week. "That's important to me now. I think the Marlins definitely made an attractive offer to me out there, but I'm going to see whatever else is out there."

If the Pavano sweepstakes turns into a bidding war, the chances of the Marlins retaining the All-Star will diminish.

The Marlins have maintained a stance of not allocating a significant portion of its payroll to any one player.

"It always takes two parties to agree on something. He is one of the premium pitchers in free agency,'' Beinfest said. "You never want to say 'never' and you never want to say 'this is definitely going to happen' until you get into [the discussions].''

Indications are the Marlins will make a stronger push to bring Pavano back over Benitez.

The fact that management has already met with Pavano's representative and made an offer shows a commitment on their part.

Benitez's agent, Mike Powers, was contacted by the Marlins after the team sat down with Pavano.

If Benitez signs elsewhere, the Marlins could turn to Guillermo Mota as their closer, or seek another closer in free agency.

Along with Pavano and Benitez, the Marlins have a number of other free agents, including reliever Rudy Seanez, pinch-hit specialist Lenny Harris, versatile backup Damion Easley, right-handed starter Ismael Valdez and veteran reserve infielder Mike Mordecai.

Harris and Mordecai are expected to return.

The rest of the free agents are in flux.

Marlins Article