The Washington Nationals have signed free agent starting pitcher Jason Marquis, according to Byron Kerr of MASN.
MASN sports.com has learned that the Nationals will sign starting pitcher Jason Marquis. Stay tuned for more on this breaking story.
UPDATE: The deal is reported to be for 2 years and $15 million dollars according to Mark Feinsand.
Marquis, who made several overtures that he wanted to sign with the Mets, never got an offer from the Mets who felt it was best to wait for the Jason Bay situation to play out first, although what one has to do with the other is beyond me, its like suntan lotion and a ski rental.
Let me join the growing list of Mets fans who are boggled by this one or two player at a time approach the Mets have taken this off season. Not only has it led to several blown opportunities already, but the chance for further embarrassment just keeps getting greater.
Last week, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reported that Marquis was interested in pitching for the Nationals because he found the prospect of mentoring their young pitching staff very appealing.
Many considered that posturing or an attempt to put some pressure on the Mets, who didn’t budge or bat an eye. The Mets are the last team in the world that should be playing a game of chicken. In fact, they should jump on any player who openly admits to wanting to play for them considering how rare that is.
Marquis now joins Randy Wolf, Brad Penny, John Lackey and Rich Harden as pitchers who the Mets had some interest in, but signed elsewhere.
Yet another NL East team makes a significant improvement.
