"Jason Marquis had a terrible ERA because Tony La Russa hung him out to dry in several games and let him give up 12, 13 runs." --A Cubs fan that I used to call my boss

Um, yeah...I suppose all those first inning runs he gave up had nothing to do with it? How about leading the league in home runs given up with 35? Yeah, I guess you can totally blame Tony La Russa for "hanging him out to dry," when in reality, he saved him in many games by pulling him out before the real damage could happen.

Living in an area that is divided by Cardinals and Cubs fans, you hear both sides of the story. The big debate between Cardinals and Cubs fans has been over Jason Marquis. Some of the things that have spilled out of Cubs fan's mouths regarding Jason Marquis have been baffling. Cubs fans apparently think he is the second coming of "Wild Thing" Rick Vaughn where all you need to do is give the guy some glasses and guidance and voila! You've got yourself a pitcher!

The thing is, they are wrong. Marquis was 15-7 with a 3.71 ERA in his first year with the Cardinals under Dave Duncan in 2004. By 2005, he fell to 13-14 and his ERA rose to 4.13. And his "banner" year came in 2006 where he went 14-16 with a 6.02 ERA.

Cubs fans think all that Marquis needs is a change of scenery and a new pitching coach. That may be the case. Or not. He stopped listening to Leo Mazzone in Atlanta before he was packaged in a deal with Adam Wainwright and Ray King for JD Drew in the 2003-2004 offseason. Dave Duncan whipped him into shape and that's why he posted such great numbers in 2004. But just like in Atlanta, he stopped listening to Dave Duncan and we saw how that worked out for him.

As for the change of scenery? This guy gave up the most home runs in the league in 2006. I'm sure those days at Wrigley with the wind blowing out with help him ENORMOUSLY. Please. Marquis is going to give up so many first inning runs and home runs that Cubs fans are going to be screaming for Glendon Rusch to come back.

Marquis may go to Chicago and have a great year, but do not expect it to last. The only thing, besides his ERA, that will go up in Chicago is the number of balls Cubs fans toss back during his starts. Enjoy those home runs and the headaches that accompany them, Cubs fans. There will be plenty.

Labels: Chicago Cubs