December 7, 200322 yr for 1.2 million... Marlins entice Pudge with more money TIM REYNOLDS / Associated Press Posted: 11 minutes ago MIAMI (AP) ? The Florida Marlins increased their offer to Ivan Rodriguez on Sunday as they faced a midnight deadline to sign the All-Star catcher or defend their World Series championship without him. "The team has presented an enhanced financial offer with hopes of retaining Pudge," team spokesman Steve Copses said, declining to give specifics. Rodriguez asked the team Friday for a $40 million, four-year contract, a figure that general manager Admin Beinfest categorized as "significantly apart" from what Florida could afford. All three of the Marlins' top executives - owner Jeffrey Loria, president David Samson and Beinfest - were on the telephone with Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, on Sunday when the offer was made, Copses said. If Rodriguez doesn't accept Florida's offer, the Marlins likely will enter next season with two veteran backups, Mike Redmond and Ramon Castro, vying for the starting job. Redmond hit .240 with no homers in 125 at-bats in 2003; Castro hit .283 with five home runs in 53 at-bats. If Rodriguez returns, Florida probably won't offer a 2004 contract to Redmond, who earned $1.05 million last season. Florida did announce one signing Sunday, agreeing with reliever Chad Fox on a $1.2 million, one-year deal. Fox had a 2.13 ERA after joining Florida as a free agent in August, and could graduate from setup man to closer. The Marlins were not expected to offer free agent closer Ugueth Urbina salary arbitration before Sunday's deadline, and have not announced whether they'll offer Braden Looper - their closer for much of last season - a 2004 contract. Also, the team formally announced the signing of second baseman Luis Castillo to a $16 million, three-year contract. Castillo passed his physical to make the deal complete, Copses said. http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=1928568
December 7, 200322 yr c/o floridaMarlins.com MIAMI -- In the final two months of the season, reliever Chad Fox provided leadership and bolstered the back end of the Marlins' bullpen. Fox was instrumental in the team's surprising World Series championship run. Next season, the 32-year-old right-hander wants to help the team defend its title. He'll get that opportunity after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.3 million contract on Sunday. The free agent who was 2-1 (2.13) with the Marlins accepted Florida's offer after being tempted by the Astros. A Spring, Texas, resident, Fox says it was a tough decision not to remain home. "I want to come back and prove those last three months weren't a fluke," said Fox, who started off last season with the Red Sox. Fox, who has overcome two Tommy John surgeries, showed he could stay healthy over the course of a season. The right-hander signed a minor league contract with the Marlins on Aug. 8 and was called up to the Marlins four days later. Fox was a pivotal setup reliever down the stretch and in the playoffs. "I'm very comfortable in Florida," Fox said. "I loved playing there. Not just because we won the World Series. I've never had more fun." Fox, who will likely remain in a setup role, also can close. The Marlins are in the process of solidifying the back of their bullpen. Free agent Ugueth Urbina is not expected back. And Braden Looper, arbitration eligible, has been the subject of trade rumors. Since he filed for free agency, Fox has been impressed with how aggressively Marlins general manager Admin Beinfest has been trying to sign him. The Marlins upped their offer from $700,000 to $1.3 million to secure Fox for at least one more season. "I think we're going to be strong enough to try to repeat," Fox said. "People are going to look at us not as a joke, but as a team that is for real. You want to come back to a situation where people are respecting the Florida Marlins." In the offseason, Fox has talked several times to Marlins starter Josh Beckett. Beckett, the World Series MVP, lives close to Fox in Spring. "I told Josh he has the makeup to be the next Roger Clemens or Nolan Ryan if he works hard and wants it badly," Fox said. "I think our starting pitching is very strong. The postseason should help all of them." Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
December 7, 200322 yr Besides the obvious talent, its great to see all these guys (Lowell, Castillo, Mordecai, Harris, Fox) come back from an emotional standpoint. In 98, it was so disappointing at the ring ceremony when only like 5 rings were handed out in person, and the PA announcer said we would like to also thank: Kevin Brown, Al Leiter, etc. and read off a list of like 20 guys.
December 7, 200322 yr Ross you forgot Gerald Williams, i know his nothing big but he was part of the team on Opening Day 2003
December 7, 200322 yr SORRY but LMFAO at PUDGE :lol And I thought this can't get any funnier. He wants 40 mil for 4 years. LOL :lol . Just leave Pudge!
December 7, 200322 yr Hmm, great news. One question though, one article said 1.2 and one said 1.3. I know it doesn't seem like much, but which is accurate?
December 7, 200322 yr Yes! Thank you Beinfest! Now we have a good reliever to depend on. I have a feeling he will be the setup man. Looper better get his act together with Fox coming back and AJ might go to the closers role. Now we need for pudge to sign. Those were are key players fox and Pudge.
December 7, 200322 yr Hey Pudge: "I hear Baltimore is all over Javy Lopez, so where's his other market?" wonders one NL executive. "The Cubs? That's the only other choice I see. Oakland is looking for a catcher, but not at those dollars. And the Dodgers might be, but only if they move Paul Lo Duca. Otherwise, he's signed at $3.9 million. So where does Pudge go? His best fit is to stay right where he was."
December 7, 200322 yr Now we need for pudge to sign. for a realistic sum any sum is ok with me... we really need Pudge.
December 7, 200322 yr Now we need for pudge to sign. for a realistic sum any sum is ok with me... we really need Pudge. now you need to start being realistic
December 7, 200322 yr Now we need for pudge to sign. for a realistic sum any sum is ok with me... we really need Pudge. now you need to start being realistic Pudge is a BIG part of our team... we need him... its worth giving up someone else...
December 7, 200322 yr Fantastic news on Chad. I was a bit nervous that he was headed to Houston. I'm glad to see the FO was able to sweeten the pot just enough to get him. Welcome back Chad!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 7, 200322 yr Now we need for pudge to sign. for a realistic sum any sum is ok with me... we really need Pudge. now you need to start being realistic its worth giving up someone else... Do you really want pudge to play more than one position at the same time? :blink: Because to fit his contract, with what he wants, economically thats basically what you'd have to do
December 7, 200322 yr not worth $10mil hes not going to play as bad as he did last year... hes going to play much better he could be worth 10 mill...
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