Peoriaman

no.

trashing coaches and players is what we do here.

Here are the starting pitchers who signed for more money per year than Marquis last offseason: Miguel Batista, Adam Eaton, Tom Glavine, Kei Igawa (including posting fee), Ted Lilly, Greg Maddux, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Gil Meche, Mike Mussina, Vincente Padilla, Andy Pettitte, Jason Schmidt, Jeff Suppan, Jeff Weaver, Randy Wolf, Barry Zito Here are the players who were paid comparable to Marquis (6 to 7.5 million per year): Orlando Hernandez, Mark Mulder, Woody Williams So there were 19 pitchers just last offseason who were paid as much or more than Marquis. Of those 19, how many have been better than Marquis this season? 4, maybe 5. By the way, if you look at the pitchers who were in the next pay level down from Marquis, you get pitchers like Kip Wells (4 million), Joel Pineiro (4 million), Tony Armas (3.5 million), Steve Trachsel (3.1 million), and David Wells (3 million). Do you want any of those pitchers? In this pitching market, if you pay a pitcher 7 million a year, you're expecting a below average to average pitcher. Anybody who has shown to be a little above average like Lilly, Padilla, etc. got larger deals. Marquis signed that contract to be an average pitcher, and he's been above average this year. I don't see how anyone can say he was overpaid for this year. In fact, if teams thought they could get a 4 ERA out of him, they would have paid him 10-13 million like they paid other pitchers with histories of giving over a 4 ERA (Suppan is a great example of this). Now, I have no idea what will happen to him in year 2 or year 3. Almost 1 year in though, he's anything but overpaid relative to the market. well said.

Great reply. Seriously, why would someone base their opinion on a player based on what other people think of them?? Who cares if people gush over him because he hustles? Fact is, he has solidified the defense with his play at SS, filled in great in the leadoff spot, provides some energy to an otherwise lifeless team. He's not close to Arod, but he is a pretty good guy to root for and a guy that positions himself to win at every level he has played. He is replacable, but give me a break.. hear, hear.

atta boy Matt! We are proud of you!

Actually not making the play-offs is bad. Management will see that spending money does not work and will close up the wallet.

LaRussa will have his "batters throw at our players"? I can't wait to see this. He is a genius!

somebody kill this stupid thread.

another call in front of a congressional committee would soften up the union.

just pinch-hit. swing strikeout. super-natural. 2-23.

Ankiel not in the line-up today. 2-22 since the revelation about HGH.

Thanks Mike!

someone needs to capture this and link it.

just like I said. Turnbow sucks!

one out walk

turnbow will blow this Pirate line-up away

wow. down 3-0, comes back to get him

brewers 2nd and 3rd no outs--prince up--Pitt will be lucky to leave this inning tied

4-2, tying runs on 2nd and 3rd in the 7th. New pitcher.

1-18 since the news broke?

or Cardinal fans.

per the Post Dispatch. Did I miss that here? If so, please delete.

agree. I thought most people here believe in the "reverting back to your career stats" theory. If he went back to his career minor league stats, he'd still be the best avail. options of the 3 they have now, much cheaper, and more likely to improve compared to 2 catchers on the downswing of their careers. ah, tallest midget. I think reverting back to career wouldn't happen, as the last I checked MLB is tougher than minor league baseball.

agree. I thought most people here believe in the "reverting back to your career stats" theory.

I thought he looked good last night. Shrugs.