Thursday, February 24, 2011

Marquis healthy and determined

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Jason Marquis hopes to bounce back after a disastrous 2010.
VIERA, Fla. -- Jason Marquis knew something wasn't quite right with his elbow, really, from the moment he started throwing in his first spring with the Nationals. The discomfort, though, didn't prevent him from pitching altogether. And as someone who had never suffered any kind of significant arm injury during a 10-year, big-league career, he figured he'd be able to battle his way through what appeared to be nothing more than a small blip.

"I pride myself on taking the ball every five days," the right-hander said. "I felt it was something I could work out and pitch through. Obviously, you saw the results."

The results, of course, were as ugly as anything you'll ever see from a major-league pitcher.

"Was it a mistake? Probably," he said. "But you can't fault me for wanting to do good and be a part of something and going out there and busting my butt every time."

Read my full story on Marquis' attempt to return to form on CSNwashington.com.

11 comments:

Ernie said...

After enduring that miserable beat-down that the Brewers put on him last April, this guys deserves something positive this year. That 30 minutes was some of the most uncomfortable time I can remember spending in the stadium. After the first couple runs I remember people getting mean with catcalls, etc., which is part of baseball, but after it kept going and he couldn't get a single out I remember people getting quieter and almost suffering along with him. Maybe it was just my section. It felt like watching a 10-car pile up in slow motion without being able to do anything about it. If he can get off to a good start the sense of atonement will be well-appreciated.

Anonymous said...

Let's lie about whether we are ready to pitch? He showed the same discomfort, the exact same issues and problems throughout ST 2010. He was terrible. But then he was a veteran ...

No excuses.

bgib said...

I think knew something was wrong at the end of the 2009 season. He was pitching poorly then, too. But, he was in a contract year and didn't want to let on that he was hurt until after he signed up for his 15 million.

Anonymous said...

Marquis: hopefully released before the March deadline.

Theophilus said...

Anon -- Right now, I imagine St. Louis would sign Marquis and Dave Duncan would coax 15 wins out of him. Lookin' forward to that are you?

JaneB said...

Ernie, we had the same experience in our section. It was the most uncomfortable time I've ever spent in a stadium. No one around us was mad at him; we all just felt bad for him. We are right by the dugout, and the look on his face as he walked back is something I'll never forget. I hope, for his sake more than anyone else's, that he is back the way he wants to be.

Steve M. said...

I like his attitude and how he stood up to adversity. He has my respect but as a fan I need to see this equate to wins and quality starts.

Noirelune said...

Anonymous said... : N'importe quoi. Marquis will be among the comeback of the year nominees. He'll win in the double digit. Did you forget he was on the All Star team two years ago? He's not a number One starting pitcher, but, for sure, he'll be one of the best in the third slot. That means winnnings...

Marquis is a proven veteran. He knows how to pitch. He is healthy. He will be good.

TimDz said...

If he pitches lights out and the Nats find themselves out of contention, I would assume Rizzo will flip him before the trade deadline and get some of the value back that was lost last year.

BinM said...

Marquis (based on his contract alone) will be one of the final roster decisions for this year. If he rounds into shape, he has both staff (as a #4-5 SP) & moderate trade value later in the year; If he isn't in the top-five for the rotation out of Viera, eat the contract & move along.

Tim said...

I thought the goal 2011 was to break out of basement, win as much as possible and hopefully lure FAs with the promise of more winning.

If Marquis comes back and pitches well, you guys want him gone? Dumping a productive starter at the deadline is going in the opposite direction.

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