Jason Marquis: Trade Bait for the Cubs?

Chicago Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis said Saturday after his 6-2 loss, if he doesn’t make the Cubs rotation, he would possibly ask for a trade. 

After hearing Marquis' comments in a press conference, Cubs manager, Lou Piniella said, "If he wants to leave, let him leave."

With Marquis not wanting to compete for a spot in the Cubs rotation, he has quickly found his way to the dog house with his skipper.  There are still reports that the Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles are discussing a trade for Brian Roberts. 

The Orioles are asking for young talent, especially pitchers and with the comments from Marquis, this could be a piece of bait for the Cubs.  It would add a veteran pitcher to complement a young talented core of young pitchers for the Orioles. 

In addition, the Cubs would have to give up possibly a second pitcher, and a position prospect.  Those prospects could be second prospects, lefties, Mike Fontenot and Sean Marshall. 

Fontenot is a very good contact hitter, who could be a perfect No. 2 hitter for the Orioles.  Sean Marshall, also could pitch as a No. 4 or 5 starter.  He also has experience in the bullpen. 

With a proposal of this kind to the Orioles, for the speedy switch-hitting Roberts, it would give the Orioles what they are looking for, pitching and a replacement for Roberts.  The Orioles GM Andy McPhail has had experience with these three players, being the Chicago Cubs president, before joining the Orioles as the General Manager.

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