Lowell Will Play With Marlins Through 2007

New ballpark or not, Mike Lowell is staying with the Florida Marlins through 2007.

Lowell, who could have opted out of his contract because the team hasn’t secured new stadium financing, agreed Friday to a revised deal in which the team guarantees the remaining $25.5 million on his contract.

“I was hopeful that things would work out because I want to be a Florida Marlin,” said Lowell, a three-time All-Star third baseman who batted .293 with 27 home runs and 85 RBIs last season.

“It would have been hard for me to play under a one-year deal. It’s only logical I’d want to play for the long term.”

Lowell signed a $32-million, four-year contract before last season -- with a provision that if no new ballpark deal was in place by Monday, the final two seasons would be voided, and he would have a player option for 2005.

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Third baseman Vinny Castilla declined a $2.1-million mutual option with Colorado for next season and filed for free agency along with pitcher Shawn Estes. Castilla, 37, led the National League with 131 RBIs and hit 35 home runs last season. Estes set a club record for left-handers by winning 15 games.

The Boston Red Sox exercised their contract option on third baseman Bill Mueller, who will earn $2.5 million next season. Pitchers Terry Adams and Pedro Astacio declared for free agency, leaving the Red Sox with 14 players eligible for free agency, including pitchers Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe and catcher Jason Varitek. Curt Schilling, meanwhile, canceled a scheduled campaign appearance with President Bush. An e-mailer identifying himself as Schilling posted a message on a fan website saying his ankle injury would prevent him from attending.... St. Louis Cardinal shortstop Edgar Renteria filed for free agency along with catcher Mike Matheny and outfielder Ray Lankford.

The New York Yankees declined their 2006 option on reliever Paul Quantrill. The 35-year-old right-hander was 7-3 with a 4.72 earned-run average. He set a club record with 86 relief appearances.... The Cincinnati Reds picked up first baseman Sean Casey’s contract option for 2006. He made $6.8 million last season, when he batted .324 with 24 homers and 99 RBIs. He’ll make $7.8 million next season and $8.5 million in 2006, the option year in the deal.

The Chicago Cubs exercised their $2-million option on right-hander Ryan Dempster after he showed the club he had recovered from “Tommy John” surgery. Dempster, 27, was 2-2 with a 3.92 earned-run average in 23 relief appearances. Meanwhile, shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, catcher Paul Bako and outfielders Tom Goodwin and Ben Grieve filed for free agency.