Right-handed starter Jason Marquis could officially become a Rockie as soon as Tuesday. MLB.com and Chicago-area media reported today that the trade that has Marquis coming to Colorado in exchange for reliever Luis Vizcaino is likely to become official on Tuesday. Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd wouldn’t confirm the trade, saying that there are still “some issues to be resolved.”
The Rockies have liked Marquis for some time and envision him as a solid fourth or fifth starter.
The move would help the Cubs free up some salary for free agent outfielder Milton Bradley, who reportedly has agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal. That deal is contingent on Bradley passing a physical later this week.
The Rockies will trade the $4 million remaining on Vizcaino’s contract for the $9.875 million left on Marquis’ three-year deal. The Cubs are expected to eat about $1 million on Marquis’ contract, leaving the Rockies to pay $4.875 million for one season for the 30-year-old pitcher.
The Rockies tried to work a deal for Marquis during the winter meetings last month, but Marquis” $9.875 million salary for 2009 was a stumbling block at that time.
Marquis went 11-9 with a 4.53 ERA last season in 29 games, all but one of them starts. Marquis is 79-70 with a 4.55 ERA in 257 games, including 198 starts, with the Braves, Cardinals and Cubs.
Vizcaino was a major disappointment for Colorado. Signed to a two-year, $7.5 million deal, he was expected to be a quality set-up man. But he struggled in spring training, was sent to the disabled list and finished the season with a 1-2 record and a 5.28 ERA. He appeared in just 43 games, that after appearing in 65 or more games in each season since 2002.
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
