Palm Beach Post: Marlins will seek lower-cost free agents

Strong contender for “Least Shocking Headline of 2007” award.

Aside from catcher Yorvit Torrealba, the Marlins also are interested in catcher Michael Barrett and pitcher Mike Maroth, according to industry sources. The Marlins will begin reaching out to players this week, starting with Torrealba, who is considered their top choice to replace Miguel Olivo. But the New York Mets also like Torrealba, so the Marlins are lining up alternatives.

Barrett, 31, broke in with the Montreal Expos and played for them from 1998-2003. At that time, he was close with Jeffrey Loria, who owned the Expos before taking control of the Marlins in 2002.

But Barrett might prove to be too expensive. He made $4.53 million in 2007 in a season split between the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres. He is expected to be seeking a multiyear deal, which the Marlins rarely offer players.
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Florida, trying to improve its pitching staff, also is expected to make an offer to Maroth, a left-hander whom the St. Louis Cardinals released in October after he struggled badly in 14 appearances, seven of them starts.