=== Marlins and Lowell come to terms on four-year deal ===

Miami, FL (Betting Express) - Mike Lowell will remain a member of the Florida Marlins for at least four more years, as the third baseman agreed to terms Tuesday on a deal, thus keeping the veteran from heading to arbitration.

The 29-year-old slugger agreed on a four-year, $32 million contract to stay with the world champions. Florida, which came to terms with second baseman Luis Castillo on Monday night, is now set to turn its attention to All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

Castillo's deal was announced on Tuesday and the Lowell agreement is expected to be made public sometime on Wednesday.

"This means we brought back two All-Star players," Marlins general manager Larry Beinfest explained. "They are here for multiple years. Obviously, they are big parts of this ball club."

Lowell is coming off career highs of 32 home runs and 105 RBI despite missing a large chunk of games late in the season because of a broken hand. He was arbitration eligible this offseason and could have become a free agent following the conclusion of the 2004 campaign.

Lowell was originally traded to Florida from the New York Yankees before the 1999 season. The swift-fielding third baseman grew up in Miami, went to college at nearby Florida International and has Cuban roots, making him a perfect fit, and a hometown favorite, with the Marlins.

Entering his sixth season with Florida, Lowell owns a .274 career average with 108 home runs and 435 RBI in 681 games.