Jason Marquis A fastball pitcher with a great sinkerball Jason Marquis broke into MLB with Atlanta in 2000 and worked in 15 games, all in relief, no decisions. The next year he started 16 of 38 games and posted a 5-6 record. ON December 13 2000 Jason Marquis was traded to the Cardinals in a 5-player trade that sent J.D. Drew to the Braves. Jason Marquis had instant success in St Louis under manager Tony La Russa, going 15-7, with a very fine 3.71 earned run average, worked 201.1 innings spanning 32 games. After going 13-14 in 32 starts in 2005 and 14-126 in 33 starts for the 2006 World Champion Cardinals, Jason Marquis opted for free agency and signed with the Cubs prior to 2007. Upon Further Review: His pitching motion is very deceptive. Jason Marquis looks like he’s throwing in slow motion, but he can really toss his fastball. It comes at the batter in the low 90s mph range and sinks over home plate. His curve hits the corners and his changeup baffles batters who are waiting for a fastball. He started the Cubs’ third game of the season on April 6 2007 against Cincinnati and stymied the Reds, yielding just 4 hits, one run, 2 Ks, 1 walk in 6 innings of work and was taken out with a 2-1 lead by new Chicago manager Lou Piniella. Cincinnati scored 2 runs off of reliever Bob Howry in that inning and rallied to defeat the Cubs 5-2. Jason Marquis had thrown just 84 pitches before Lou Pinella changed pitchers, and Cub fans booed the results of the game. Baseball Historian |