By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com?

 

?

 

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. -- General conversations at the general managers' meetings have turned to more substantive talks for the Marlins, who met with three unspecified teams on Thursday.

General manager Admin Beinfest had a follow-up meeting with one team on Thursday, and a clearer picture is coming into focus for the Marlins as free agency is set to begin on Friday.

 

The Marlins are looking for a left-handed hitter and bullpen help.

 

"There is going to be some conversations and some offers," Beinfest said. "I don't know if it's aggressive. I call it normal. We've contacted some of our own [free agents]. We made an offer to one of our own [on Tuesday to reserve infielder Damion Easley]. There could be some offers coming [Friday]."

 

On Thursday, the Marlins announced the signings of eight six-year free agents: infielder/outfielder Admin Barnes, right-handed pitcher Frank Castillo, right-hander Bryan Corey, outfielder Chad Green, catcher Jason Hill, outfielder Mark Little, right-hander Bart Miadich and right-hander Travis Smith.

 

Marlins management has made a habit of operating under the radar, yet pulling off some crafty moves.

 

Beinfest isn't revealing the names of teams he is talking to, but he noted, "There is going to be some stuff going on."

 

 

 

 

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The Marlins are hopeful of re-signing free agent right-hander Carl Pavano, who is attracting widespread interest.

 

Over the past few days, Pavano's agent, Scott Shapiro, has sat down with about a dozen teams, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Tigers and Mariners.

 

The Marlins have a three-year, $21 million offer on the table for Pavano, who will test the waters.

 

Even the Mets, who are busy trying to determine if starters Kris Benson and Al Leiter will return, have told Pavano's agent they want to talk in a few days.

 

As much as the Marlins want to retain Pavano, Beinfest said a number of teams would be thrilled to roll out three starters like Josh Beckett, A.J. Burnett and Dontrelle Willis, all of whom are returning.

 

With all eight position players who ended the season expected to return, Beinfest says, "we think we have a very solid team."

 

The Marlins have interest in retaining closer Armando Benitez, but they have yet to make an offer. Benitez's agent, Mike Powers, is ready to test the market.

 

One rumor that floated around on Thursday has the Marlins showing interest in Boston star Pedro Martinez. A team source, however, downplayed the Marlins actually signing Martinez, another of the marquee free agents out there.

 

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...s_fla&fext=.jsp

Beinfest isn't revealing the names of teams he is talking to, but he noted, "There is going to be some stuff going on."

 

That's all I needed to hear. Work your magic Beinfest, I just hope Loria is willing to shell out the cash to allow you do to what you want.

Based on the Guillen thread, we know one of the teams was the Angels.

Based on the Guillen thread, we know one of the teams was the Angels.

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Team two is probably the D'Backs.

 

And three, I'd say the Injuns.

Based on the Guillen thread, we know one of the teams was the Angels.

614991[/snapback]

 

Team two is probably the D'Backs.

 

And three, I'd say the Injuns.

614999[/snapback]

 

According to FSN, it's the Pirates...Mackowiak?

Based on the Guillen thread, we know one of the teams was the Angels.

614991[/snapback]

 

Team two is probably the D'Backs.

 

And three, I'd say the Injuns.

614999[/snapback]

 

According to FSN, it's the Pirates...Mackowiak?

615361[/snapback]

 

I thought it was Daryle Ward from the Pirates ??