It's been posted, but ESPN updated it.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

"Pudge was a very important part of our ballclub last year," Marlins manager Jack McKeon said. "What manager in the game wouldn't want to have Pudge back?"

 

 

Rodriguez 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 Admin 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, said early Tuesday that he is speaking with a "number of teams" and that no decision had been made on the Marlins' offer.

 

 

Boras said he, Beinfest and Marlins president David Samson had a lengthy telephone call Monday about the proposed deal, but would not reveal any specifics.

 

 

"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.

 

 

"It's a tremendous lift that these two guys will be returning," McKeon said. "When you look back at last year, our keys were pitching and defense. So I think it was very important to keep these guys."

 

 

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.

And the Marlins are close to re-signing free-agent reliever Chad Fox, Stark reports.

Interesting....here's a quote from today's Sun-Sentinel:

 

"Beinfest said the Marlins have not extended an offer to Urbina, adding the team is hoping to retain right-handed reliever Chad Fox. A source said discussions are ongoing but a deal is not close."

 

Who's right on the Fox deal?