The Marlins have agreed to terms on a three-year contract with right-handed pitcher Braden Looper. Looper, 26, went 5-1 with a 4.41 ERA and two saves in 73 games last season. His 73 appearances tied for ninth in the National League and equaled the third highest in Club history, behind Robb Nen (75 in 1996) and Jay Powell (74 in 1997). Looper won five straight decisions from June 3 to September 10 to finish the season tied for eighth in wins among Major League relievers. He earned his first Major League save on June 16, 2000 at Pittsburgh.

BURNETT DIAGNOSED WITH FRACTURE: Marlins pitcher A.J. Burnett has been diagnosed with a Jones fracture, a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The diagnosis was made during an examination by Marlins Foot & Ankle Surgeon Dr. Robert Mills in Fort Lauderdale yesterday morning. Burnett will wear a walking boot on his right foot for approximately 3-4 weeks, and will use a bone stimulator for 10 hours a day. He will be able to do conditioning work but will be unable to throw from a mound or run.

SPRING TRAINING UNDERWAY: The Marlins opened their ninth Spring Training camp yesterday, as 29 pitchers (including nine non-roster invitees) and eight catchers (five non-roster) reported to Space Coast Stadium and the Carl Barger Baseball Complex. EARLY BIRDS: Several Marlins position players reported to Spring Training early to begin preparations for workouts on Friday, though they are not permitted to workout with the Club. They include infielders David Berg, Chris Clapinski, Andy Fox and Kevin Millar and outfielders Jeff Abbott, Rich Becker, Chad Mottola and Lyle Mouton. Abbott, Becker, Fox, Mottola and Mouton are all in their first Spring Training with the Marlins. Due to his injury status, infielder Nate Rolison was permitted to take the field early, and he worked out with the Marlins

The Marlins agreed to an 11th-hour deal with Antonio Alfonseca worth $6 million over two years.

The Marlins agreed to a $2.2 Million one-year contract with second baseman Luis Castillo. Castillo, 25, batted a career-high and Marlins club-record .334 with two home runs, 17 RBI and 62 stolen bases. He became just the second Marlin to lead the Major Leagues in stolen bases. Castillo also set Club marks with 55 multi-hit games and 180 hits.

The Marlins have invited 22 non-roster players to their ninth annual Spring Training camp and the third under Manager John Boles. The Marlins have invited eight pitchers to camp, including right-handers Mark Brownson, Reid Cornelius, Brian Edmondson, Gabe Molina, Johnny Ruffin, Joe Strong and Doug Walls and left-hander Benito Baez. The Marlins have invited four infielders, including Chris Clapinski, Josue Espada, Mike Gulan and Derek Wathan, and five outfielders: Rich Becker, Edgard Clemente, Cesar Crespo, Ryan McGuire and Lyle Mouton. Five catchers were extended invites, including Brandon Harper, Mandy Romero, Matt Treanor, B.J. Waszgis and Dusty Wathan. The Marlins will have a total of 61 players (29 pitchers, eight catchers, 13 infielders and 11 outfielders) in camp.

The Florida Marlins will host a three-day Mini Camp January 18-20 at Pro Player Stadium for players on the Marlins 40-man roster.

Marlins avoid arbitration with two more players by agreeing to terms on a one-year $2,125,000 contract with outfielder Mark Kotsay and a one-year $587,500 deal with infielder Dave Berg.