Marquis - "start me or trade me": Lou - "He can go"

[Mizzou]

Not that we really are losing much with Marquis, but wow our starting pitching sucks.

It does? How do you figure that?

[Old Style]

So long, stupid.

[Banedon]

I'm not the biggest fan of Lou...but that was the perfect reaction.

 

I bet if they told Marquis he was free to opt out of his contract, he'd rethink the situation...heh.

[javy knows my name]

This is definitely good news if you doubted Lou's ability or resolve as a manager. I did not.

That said, now we'll be lucky to get a bag of beans and any of his salary absorbed if we do move him. It is something Lou had to say, but not a move the Cubs should think they have to make, because it unintentionally lowered Marquis' trade value still further.

[NCCubFan]

I'd take that bag of beans if the other team picks up Marquis' entire salary.

[javy knows my name]

I'd take that bag of beans if the other team picks up Marquis' entire salary.

In a heartbeat. I just don't see it happening anymore.

[JGalt73]

I'm not sure this is any different than Murton's hints at wanting to be traded...

 

"I love Chicago," Marquis said. "I definitely want to stay here. This is the place I want to be. I signed here for a reason. But I also signed as a starter, and I think that's where I help the team the most. Obviously we'll see what happens when it's time for [the Cubs] to make their decision.

 

"So as much as I want to be here in Chicago -- I love it, I love the fans, I love the stadium -- I also have a family to worry about, too. I think I can take my services elsewhere if that's the case and I can help another team, in that capacity as a starter.

 

"So, my value doesn't lie in the bullpen in my mind."

 

Asked when was the last time he had to fight for a spot in the rotation, Marquis said: "I don't look at it that way. Like I've said all along, I'm out there battling the hitters, trying to get better day by day, and if they don't want me here in the rotation here in Chicago, we'll go from there. So, we'll see what happens."

 

Marquis was then asked if he'd specifically ask for a trade if he lost out to Lieber and Ryan Dempster, who appears to have the No. 3 spot sewn up.

 

"We'll cross that path when it comes, obviously," he said. "I've got to take the ball whenever they give it to me and get guys out."

[RynoRules]

Not that we really are losing much with Marquis, but wow our starting pitching sucks.

It does? How do you figure that?

 

Yeah, I was trying to figure that one out myself. On the low-end its mediocre, on the high-end we have one of the best 3 or 4 rotations in the NL.

[javy knows my name]

One thing I always thought about Marquis is that he had a top notch attitude. Guess not.

 

I always thought the opposite. Didn't the Cardinals give up on him because Duncan and LaRussa had gotten tired or his attitude?

I think his work ethic was questioned, a la Zito, but i don't think he was ever accused of being a jerk until now.

[Illini Iceman]

I'm not sure this is any different than Murton's hints at wanting to be traded...

 

"I love Chicago," Marquis said. "I definitely want to stay here. This is the place I want to be. I signed here for a reason. But I also signed as a starter, and I think that's where I help the team the most. Obviously we'll see what happens when it's time for [the Cubs] to make their decision.

 

"So as much as I want to be here in Chicago -- I love it, I love the fans, I love the stadium -- I also have a family to worry about, too. I think I can take my services elsewhere if that's the case and I can help another team, in that capacity as a starter.

 

"So, my value doesn't lie in the bullpen in my mind."

 

Asked when was the last time he had to fight for a spot in the rotation, Marquis said: "I don't look at it that way. Like I've said all along, I'm out there battling the hitters, trying to get better day by day, and if they don't want me here in the rotation here in Chicago, we'll go from there. So, we'll see what happens."

 

Marquis was then asked if he'd specifically ask for a trade if he lost out to Lieber and Ryan Dempster, who appears to have the No. 3 spot sewn up.

 

"We'll cross that path when it comes, obviously," he said. "I've got to take the ball whenever they give it to me and get guys out."

 

The first bolded quote is really stupid. I think the $24M three year contract pretty much covers his family for a couple generations whether he starts, pitches out of the pen or sweeps the clubhouse, so he can save the hyperbole.

 

The second bolded quote is fine. There is nothing wrong with that attittude. It would be more concerning if he said he didn't care where he pitched as long as he got paid. He is competitive and feels like he should be in the rotation. And he is right that he just needs to get guys out and the rest will take care of itself.

[CubColtPacer]

At least 10 veteran starters around the league make this sort of statement every year. Wade Miller and Jon Lieber are two easy examples of pitchers who did it last year. The Cubs were never planning on Marquis to be in the bullpen anyway, so really its overblown. The Cubs choices in the first place were either the rotation or a trade, and my guess is that he'll be in the rotation Opening Day.

[frostwyrm]

Marquis is done here. Too bad he has another $16.25 mil on his contract. I'm guessing Hendry will need to send $8 mil to find a taker. What a rancid signing.

[Bruno7481]

I love the part about Marquis having a family to worry about. Does that change depending on if he is a starter or reliever?

[Illini Iceman]

I'd take that bag of beans if the other team picks up Marquis' entire salary.

In a heartbeat. I just don't see it happening anymore.

 

Meh. If a team wants him they will still need to give Hendry fair value. He is under contract so the Cubs can always just keep in the pen as a mop up reliever / spot starter instead of give him away for nothing. A "you take my problem, we take yours" trade with Boston of Marquis for Crisp, however, would seem to look more likely. But I think Hendry has been looking to move him all offseason so this new development probably doesn't change his plans much. You would think Baltimore would want him in the Roberts package (maybe to help the Cubs offset Payton's salary). They seem to love Tracshel and Marquis is actually a step up from him at this point (sad as that may be).

[erik316wttn]

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

 

Take Hendry with you, please. Thanks.

[Bruce Miles]

I'd take that bag of beans if the other team picks up Marquis' entire salary.

In a heartbeat. I just don't see it happening anymore.

 

Meh. If a team wants him they will still need to give Hendry fair value. He is under contract so the Cubs can always just keep in the pen as a mop up reliever / spot starter instead of give him away for nothing. A "you take my problem, we take yours" trade with Boston of Marquis for Crisp, however, would seem to look more likely. But I think Hendry has been looking to move him all offseason so this new development probably doesn't change his plans much. You would think Baltimore would want him in the Roberts package (maybe to help the Cubs offset Payton's salary). They seem to love Tracshel and Marquis is actually a step up from him at this point (sad as that may be).

 

This is exactly right. There have been scouts through spring training already, and they've formed opinions on Marquis and others and have voiced them to their organizations. This little tempest really doesn't change anything as far as trade value goes.

[ronsanto10]

he ls gonna make 4.75 mill this year....he is contracted thru 2009 season i think....he is barely a .500 pitcher, so what can you realistically get for him???

 

 

This is definitely good news if you doubted Lou's ability or resolve as a manager. I did not.

That said, now we'll be lucky to get a bag of beans and any of his salary absorbed if we do move him. It is something Lou had to say, but not a move the Cubs should think they have to make, because it unintentionally lowered Marquis' trade value still further.

[JGalt73]

Deleted. Thanks. Edited March 2, 2008 by JGalt73

[Outshined_One]

he ls gonna make 4.75 mill this year....he is contracted thru 2009 season i think....he is barely a .500 pitcher, so what can you realistically get for him???

 

Considering the Cubs managed to get value for such illustrious names like Todd Hundley, I think they could get a decent B-level prospect for Marquis. Plenty of teams are looking for innings eaters at SP.

[Mizzou]

I'd take that bag of beans if the other team picks up Marquis' entire salary.

In a heartbeat. I just don't see it happening anymore.

 

Meh. If a team wants him they will still need to give Hendry fair value. He is under contract so the Cubs can always just keep in the pen as a mop up reliever / spot starter instead of give him away for nothing. A "you take my problem, we take yours" trade with Boston of Marquis for Crisp, however, would seem to look more likely. But I think Hendry has been looking to move him all offseason so this new development probably doesn't change his plans much. You would think Baltimore would want him in the Roberts package (maybe to help the Cubs offset Payton's salary). They seem to love Tracshel and Marquis is actually a step up from him at this point (sad as that may be).

 

This is exactly right. There have been scouts through spring training already, and they've formed opinions on Marquis and others and have voiced them to their organizations. This little tempest really doesn't change anything as far as trade value goes.

Disagree. Regardless of what a scout reports to his boss, a player's trade value generally goes down when he makes an outburst like this.

[Bruce Miles]

I'd take that bag of beans if the other team picks up Marquis' entire salary.

In a heartbeat. I just don't see it happening anymore.

 

Meh. If a team wants him they will still need to give Hendry fair value. He is under contract so the Cubs can always just keep in the pen as a mop up reliever / spot starter instead of give him away for nothing. A "you take my problem, we take yours" trade with Boston of Marquis for Crisp, however, would seem to look more likely. But I think Hendry has been looking to move him all offseason so this new development probably doesn't change his plans much. You would think Baltimore would want him in the Roberts package (maybe to help the Cubs offset Payton's salary). They seem to love Tracshel and Marquis is actually a step up from him at this point (sad as that may be).

 

This is exactly right. There have been scouts through spring training already, and they've formed opinions on Marquis and others and have voiced them to their organizations. This little tempest really doesn't change anything as far as trade value goes.

Disagree. Regardless of what a scout reports to his boss, a player's trade value generally goes down when he makes an outburst like this.

 

If you can prove that, I'll agree with you. But Marquis already had run afoul of two of the most respected managers in the game: Bobby Cox and Tony La Russa _ because of performance. This makes three. And let's remember, teams weren't exactly lining up to pay him $21 million last year. If a team feels you can help it, they don't care what you say to reporters.

[Mizzou]

I'd take that bag of beans if the other team picks up Marquis' entire salary.

In a heartbeat. I just don't see it happening anymore.

 

Meh. If a team wants him they will still need to give Hendry fair value. He is under contract so the Cubs can always just keep in the pen as a mop up reliever / spot starter instead of give him away for nothing. A "you take my problem, we take yours" trade with Boston of Marquis for Crisp, however, would seem to look more likely. But I think Hendry has been looking to move him all offseason so this new development probably doesn't change his plans much. You would think Baltimore would want him in the Roberts package (maybe to help the Cubs offset Payton's salary). They seem to love Tracshel and Marquis is actually a step up from him at this point (sad as that may be).

 

This is exactly right. There have been scouts through spring training already, and they've formed opinions on Marquis and others and have voiced them to their organizations. This little tempest really doesn't change anything as far as trade value goes.

Disagree. Regardless of what a scout reports to his boss, a player's trade value generally goes down when he makes an outburst like this.

 

If you can prove that, I'll agree with you. But Marquis already had run afoul of two of the most respected managers in the game: Bobby Cox and Tony La Russa _ because of performance. This makes three. And let's remember, teams weren't exactly lining up to pay him $21 million last year. If a team feels you can help it, they don't care what you say to reporters.

I don't know if we're talking about the same thing here. I'm not saying that Marquis' comments are going to change whether or not a team wants him. What I am saying is that when it comes down to negotiating an actual deal, these comments hurt Hendry. Think about it. If Hendry and another GM were discussing a Marquis for players X, Y, and Z trade yesterday, the opposing GM, knowing what was said by Marquis and Lou today, now has the upper hand and can pull player Z from the equation. It may be minimal, but I do think that when comments like these are made, it hampers Hendry's ability.

[Bruce Miles]

I'd take that bag of beans if the other team picks up Marquis' entire salary.

In a heartbeat. I just don't see it happening anymore.

 

Meh. If a team wants him they will still need to give Hendry fair value. He is under contract so the Cubs can always just keep in the pen as a mop up reliever / spot starter instead of give him away for nothing. A "you take my problem, we take yours" trade with Boston of Marquis for Crisp, however, would seem to look more likely. But I think Hendry has been looking to move him all offseason so this new development probably doesn't change his plans much. You would think Baltimore would want him in the Roberts package (maybe to help the Cubs offset Payton's salary). They seem to love Tracshel and Marquis is actually a step up from him at this point (sad as that may be).

 

This is exactly right. There have been scouts through spring training already, and they've formed opinions on Marquis and others and have voiced them to their organizations. This little tempest really doesn't change anything as far as trade value goes.

Disagree. Regardless of what a scout reports to his boss, a player's trade value generally goes down when he makes an outburst like this.

 

If you can prove that, I'll agree with you. But Marquis already had run afoul of two of the most respected managers in the game: Bobby Cox and Tony La Russa _ because of performance. This makes three. And let's remember, teams weren't exactly lining up to pay him $21 million last year. If a team feels you can help it, they don't care what you say to reporters.

I don't know if we're talking about the same thing here. I'm not saying that Marquis' comments are going to change whether or not a team wants him. What I am saying is that when it comes down to negotiating an actual deal, these comments hurt Hendry. Think about it. If Hendry and another GM were discussing a Marquis for players X, Y, and Z trade yesterday, the opposing GM, knowing what was said by Marquis and Lou today, now has the upper hand and can pull player Z from the equation. It may be minimal, but I do think that when comments like these are made, it hampers Hendry's ability.

 

I don't know, but I see where you're coming from. I can tell you this: Even before a pitch was thrown this spring, scouts were downplaying Marquis' value. He is what he is, and everybody knows it.

I can see it playing out like this Sunday: Marquis goes into Lou's office and says those troublemaking reporters blew this out of proportion. (We all have voice recorders, and I'd be glad to play the entire transcript of our interview with him; my guess is he's already seen the writing on the wall and chose to use us to grease the skids out of town.)

 

He and the Cubs make nice for a while, and Hendry continues to try to trade him. Somewhere along the line in spring training, some team's pitcher gets hurt, and they're desperate. They need a guy who can eat up 200 innings, and they might even be willing to OVERPAY (in a sense) to get him. Guess who fits this bill? That team gets their guy, the Cubs get rid of a problem and a guy Lou really doesn't have much use for in the first place and everybody goes home happy. The Cubs might have to eat less than what they'd have to eat to get rid of Marquis in such a scenario.

 

Bottom line: You can always find somebody to take your problem (somebody mentioned Hundley), and you can blame it on the media in the end. Then it'll be up to the pitcher to perform in his new city. And the cycle starts again.

 

Just sayin'.

[bhogg]

If I recall, Marquis had difficulties with Duncan. It was like Marquis would listen to Duncan right up to being sucessful and that was it -- no more listening to his coach. They just finally had it with him.

 

I doubt the comments hurt his value. Someone will be getting 200 innings for a very good price. At the same time, I sure don't think we'll get anything other than salary relief.

[MPC]

who the hell is going to take on marquis and his albatross of a contract? it's backloaded with the 1st year done, i'm guessing the cubs will have to pick up a chunk of the money to get another team to take him.