TUCSON, Ariz.—Colorado starting pitcher Jason Marquis might be a big hit, literally, for the Rockies.
The right-hander is a proven commodity on the mound after winning at least 11 games for five straight seasons. Marquis, considered one of the top-hitting pitchers in the National League, has demonstrated he can swing the bat, as well.
“I don’t want to be another out just standing there at the plate. I want to make the pitcher work,” Marquis said. “It has won me a few games over the course of the last five or so years.”
Marquis, acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs for Luis Vizcaino, is slated as the Rockies’ third starter in the rotation. He has a 79-70 overall pitching record with a 4.55 ERA.
Marquis might be just what Colorado needs with fellow starting pitcher Jeff Francis working out shoulder pain. And with a career .206 batting average, 25 doubles, two triples and five home runs, his help might not be limited to the mound.
“It makes the other pitcher work a little harder knowing there are nine outs there instead of eight,” Marquis said. “More than anything, it puts more pressure on the pitcher.”
The New York native’s greatest homer was a grand slam against the Mets last year. He hit a curve ball off Jon Niese out as part of a five RBI game. It was his second home run in three at-bats, also hitting one against Cincinnati in a previous appearance.
“As a pitcher, I don’t exactly have 500 home runs, so I remember them all vividly. Hopefully there are more to come,” Marquis said. “My favorite was at Shea Stadium with 40 of my friends and family members there. The grand slam made it 6-2. It was great to share that moment and talk a little trash with them.”
Marquis should like hitting in offensive-minded Coors Field. So far, he has enjoyed pitching there. The Rockies’ new starter has a 3-0 record and a 2.51 ERA in the stadium.
“I have had some success, but it is a small sample. I have to bear down and execute pitches,” Marquis said.
Marquis has been good against the rest of the clubs in NL West ballparks, sporting a 6-4 mark with a 2.86 ERA. Consistency has been the key with Atlanta, St. Louis and the Cubs during his career. He pitched the last two seasons with Chicago after posting 15, 13 and 14 wins, respectively, with the Cardinals.
“He is coming here with an edge. He wants to take his career to the next step,” Colorado manager Clint Hurdle said. “He feels there is more there, and we are here to help him get there. He is very athletic off the mound and has a nice skill set and sinks the ball. His athleticism on the offensive side of the ball is another dynamic which gives us a chance to make a gigantic step forward.”
