Report: Cubs Sign Marquis for 3 Years, $21M

"The Chicago Cubs aren't done spending money just yet. Free-agent pitcher Jason Marquis has agreed to a three-year contract with the team, according to multiple reports," reports ESPN.com. "A source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that the deal is for $21 million. The source also said that the Cubs are pursuing free agent outfielder Cliff Floyd, who is expected to decide next week between Chicago and Seattle."

OK, now we're getting a little crazy. A guy with a career ERA 6% below league average, and who had an ERA 27% below league average last season while striking out less than 4.5 batters per 9 innings, is someone you might give a 1 year contract for a few million dollars, given that he has some upside. But you don't give him $21M over 3 years.

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Marquis

Yeah, and talk about buying high; he didn't even hit well last year, posting a .179/.210/.256 line after batting .310/.326/.460 in 2005 and .292/.297/.375 the year before that.

Not a bad deal considering the inflation & lack of supply

Marquis reportedly worked with Rothschild through the communique of Maddux who suggested that Rothschild might be able to make Marquis mechanically right.

I recall Clement was a high maintenance prodigy and Rothschild corrected that soul.

Contract Finalized

The AP reports:

Marquis and the Cubs finalized their $21 million, three-year contract Tuesday after the right-hander took a physical.
. . . .
Marquis gets $4.75 million next year, $6,375,000 in 2008 and $9,875,000 in 2009.