Marlins Call Bidder ‘Serious’

Florida Marlin owner Jeffrey Loria said Sunday that discussions with San Antonio officials about the possibility of relocating the team there are serious.

San Antonio has been trying to lure the team, and county officials have offered to put up $200 million toward an estimated $300-million ballpark if voters approve extending a tax on hotel and car rentals.

The Marlins slashed their payroll to about $15 million in the off-season because of poor attendance and no progress in Loria’s bid for a baseball-specific stadium. Florida plays at Dolphins Stadium, home of Miami’s NFL team.

“We’re still looking at all our options, but our talks in San Antonio are serious,” Loria said on Sunday at Minute Maid Park in Houston before speaking to his team.

Loria remained evasive when asked whether he has any hope the Marlins can remain in South Florida, but said no negotiations are ongoing.

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San Francisco Giant left-hander Noah Lowry signed a four-year contract that guarantees him at least $9.25 million.

Lowry, 25, the No. 3 starter, is under contract through 2009 and the Giants have a club option for 2010.

Lowry went 13-13 with a 3.78 earned-run average last season in his first full big league campaign.

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Closer Derrick Turnbow and the Milwaukee Brewers agreed to a $6.5 million, three-year contract, replacing a $488,000, one-year deal he signed in February.

Turnbow, a 28-year-old right-hander, tied the Brewers’ season saves record last year with 39, a mark Dan Kolb set in 2004.