Tottenville HS product and Chicago Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis is about to change his Baseball address according to broadcast and published reports.
The Cubs are close to a deal that would send Marquis and his $9.875 million salary to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for right-handed reliever and former Yankee Luis Vizcaino. Major League Baseball offices are closed until Jan. 5th, so an official announcement is not likely until then.
Marquis did not immediately return calls from the Advance seeking comment.
The trade represents a salary dump for the Cubs, who have been looking to trim their payroll as owner Sam Zell attempts to sell the team and Wrigley Field. Vizcaino is slated to earn $4 million in 2009.
Marquis, 30, posted an 11-9 record with a 4.53 earned run average last season for the National League Central Division-winning Cubs. In 167 innings, he allowed 172 hits with 70 walks and 91 strikeouts.
He made one relief appearance in the Division Series against the Dodgers, allowing a run.
In his nine-year big league career, the Prince's Bay resident is 79-70 with a 4.59 ERA.
Always one of the top hitting pitchers in the league, Marquis hit two home runs and knocked in 10 runs for the Cubs, highlighted by a grand slam against the Mets at Shea Stadium on Sept. 23.
Marquis has also pitched for the Braves and Cardinals.
