Cordero, who made just six appearances in 2008 after arm injuries cut his season short, has been throwing off flat surfaces and is expected to begin throwing off the mound in mid-February. His agent, Larry Reynolds, said the Marlins are one of about a dozen teams interested in his client. But since he hasn't shown what he can do on the mound yet, no offers have been made.

"I think [the Marlins] are interested in watching him," Reynolds said. "A lot of teams have shown interest. But when it's time to make an offer, that's yet to be seen."

Cordero, who turns 27 in March, spent his first six seasons with the Expos/Nationals organization. The right-hander's last full season, in 2007, saw him post 37 saves while sporting a 3.36 ERA in a career-high 76 appearances. Cordero's best season came in 2005, when he racked up a career-best 47 saves to go along with a minuscule 1.82 ERA.

But the California native hasn't pitched in a Major League game since April 29. In July, he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder -- a procedure that typically takes 12 months to recover from. One thing that benefits Cordero, though, is the fact he doesn't particularly look to overpower hitters -- relying on a low-90s fastball and slider -- which could allow for a smoother recovery.

The Marlins currently have Matt Lindstrom penciled in as the closer, with recently acquired Scott Proctor looking to fill the role as the setup man.

Cordero, who threw in front of several teams off flat ground in California on Friday, will likely have to take a considerable paycut from the $6.2 million he made with the Nationals in '08.

Regardless, Reynolds believes his client will be ready to have a bounceback '09 season, saying, "I think by mid-Spring Training, somebody is going to pick up one of the best closers in the game."