Ex-Orioles OF Gibbons joins Marlins

MIAMI (AP) -- Former major league outfielder Jay Gibbons was among eight free agents who agreed to minor league contracts with the Florida Marlins.

Gibbons, who hit 121 homers in seven seasons with Baltimore, last played in the majors on Aug. 12, 2007. He was suspended in December 2007 for the first 15 days of the following season following accusations in media reports that he received human growth hormone after January 2005, when it was banned by baseball.

He was released March 30 by the Orioles, who owed him $11.9 million for the 2008 and 2009 seasons as part of a $21.1 million, four-year contract he agreed to in January 2006. The suspension was eliminated April 11 as part of a new drug agreement between owners and players.

Gibbons agreed in June to play for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League and his contract was purchased a month later by the Milwaukee Brewers. He hit a combined .308 with five homers and 17 RBIs in 120 at-bats over 34 games with Double-A Huntsville and Triple-A Nashville.

During the offseason, he is batting .285 with eight homers and 30 RBIs in 123 at-bats for Navegantes del Magallanes of the Venezuelan Winter League.

Also agreeing to minor league contracts, the Marlins said Tuesday, were outfielder Michael Ryan; infielders Andy Gonzalez and John Lindsey; right-handers Brian Sanches and Michael Wood; and left-handers Willie Collazo and John Koronka.

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