November 8, 200323 yr Beinfest ready for busy offseason Marlins' GM opened discussions with three key players By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com Mike Lowell, a two-time All-Star, is eligible for arbitration this season. (Alan Diaz/AP) JUPITER, Fla. -- Marlins general manager Admin Beinfest doesn't have an exact payroll figure to work with for the 2004 season, but that hasn't prevented him from making preliminary calls to three prominent players. In recent days, Beinfest has opened dialogue with the representatives of third baseman Mike Lowell, second baseman Luis Castillo and catcher Ivan Rodriguez. Castillo and Rodriguez are free agents, who can test the market beginning Monday. Lowell, fifth-year arbitration eligible, is under club control for one more season. But the team hopes to sign the two-time All-Star to a multi-year package. Before the All-Star break, Beinfest announced Lowell would not be traded and noted then the Marlins planned on discussing a long-term deal. Beinfest said Friday that he has spoken in general terms with Lowell's agents. Lowell and Castillo are each being represented by Seth and Sam Levinson. Scott Boras is handling Rodriguez's negotiations. The Yankees, Mets, Cardinals, Cubs and Red Sox are believed to have interest in Castillo. The Cubs, Orioles and Padres are reportedly after Rodriguez. "We need to have more discussions with Scott," Beinfest said of Rodriguez's status. "We were very pleased with Pudge, and Pudge enjoyed playing here. But this is a business, and I'm not quite sure of what their intentions are at this point. "Obviously, we'll talk to them. He did a great job, and he did a great job in October. Big players stepped up in big times. We'll see. I've had one conversation with Scott. I think there is going to have to be a few more before you get a feel of what is going on." The Marlins are expected to make changes, but owner Jeffrey Loria has assured the community that the roster will not be dismantled the way it was in 1998. After winning the World Series in 1997, then owner H. Wayne Huizenga traded off the star players. The club lost 108 games the following season. As of Friday, the 2004 budget was not decided. "Jeffrey has not given us a final payroll, which obviously shapes how we move ahead," Beinfest said. "We've talked about general things, like we normally do in the offseason." Beinfest was in Jupiter on Friday as part of a celebration honoring the Marlins' title season. The one-hour event took place at Roger Dean Stadium, the team's Spring Training facility. Beinfest and assistant general manager Michael Hill will be going to Phoenix next week to take part in the annual general manager's meetings. With 15 players eligible for arbitration, and some key free agents, the Marlins promise to be one of the most active teams in the league this offseason. The team is still searching for a third base coach to replace Ozzie Guillen, named White Sox manager a few days ago. Beinfest expects to hire a new coach by Thanksgiving. Cookie Rojas is believed to be a candidate on the short list, about six, for the vacancy. Rojas is a former Marlins third base coach who spent this season as a commentator on the team's Spanish-radio broadcasts. He also played for Marlins manager Jack McKeon in the 1970s as a member of the Royals. The Marlins announced Friday the re-signing of five assistants. Returning are Jeff Cox (bullpen), Doug Davis (bench), Perry Hill (first base), Wayne Rosenthal (pitching) and Bill Robinson (hitting). Bullpen coordinator Pierre Arsenault also returns. Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
November 8, 200323 yr Loria needs to come up with a payroll # so Beinfest can know what he's working with. does anyone how long should that take?
November 8, 200323 yr this gets me excited! "We will be one of the busiest teams this off-season? Hmmm....we need some deph in the bullpen with Urbina, and Fox out. IF castillo goes we need to go after Vina or another 2nd baseman. One more thing, trade Redman or Pavano ( I perfer Redman) so we can have a spot for AJ. Or we can put Pavz in the Pen.
November 8, 200323 yr this gets me excited! "We will be one of the busiest teams this off-season? Hmmm....we need some deph in the bullpen with Urbina, and Fox out. IF castillo goes we need to go after Vina or another 2nd baseman. One more thing, trade Redman or Pavano ( I perfer Redman) so we can have a spot for AJ. Or we can put Pavz in the Pen. Keep all 6 starters, choose the weakest link and put him in the pen. (all 6 are VERY good pitchers)
November 8, 200323 yr Vladimir Guerrero is n...nevermind Don't make me mad We are f***ing getting Vlad (whether you like it or not )
November 8, 200323 yr Even something as small as talking to the agents of Lowell, I-Rod and Castillo is a good sign of progress in my book.
November 8, 200323 yr Don't be Sad Soon we will have Vlad From your keyboard to God's monitor my friend. Though I would be pleased just to see no major departures outside of Encarnacion and Urbina.
November 8, 200323 yr There is absolutely no way at all that we will have the slightest chance at Vlad. We're trying to SAVE money, not blow it.
November 8, 200323 yr Vladimir Guerrero is n...nevermind Don't make me mad We are f***ing getting Vlad (whether you like it or not ) ok :confused *runs away quick because this dude's obssession is starting to freak me out*
November 8, 200323 yr what are you guys ready to pony up in a trade to get Eischen?(Juanky especially )
November 8, 200323 yr what are you guys ready to pony up in a trade to get Eischen?(Juanky especially ) I don't think he would warrant anything major.
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