2012 MLB Free Agents: Minnesota Twins Sign Jason Marquis
By Editorial Staff
The Minnesota Twins were able to add to their starting pitching depth yesterday, signing right-hander Jason Marquis to a one-year deal. Marquis will earn $3 million in 2012, and the innings-eater will likely slide in to the back of the Twins rotation.
Twins general manager Terry Ryan told reporters that it was no secret his club was “looking for pitching” this offseason. Ryan believes that Marquis “fits that bill”, calling the 33-year-old a “ground-ball machine” and strike-thrower.
Beyond these attributes, Marquis has also shown an ability to eat innings throughout his career. Though he’s only logged 190 2/3 frames over the past two seasons, Marquis registered 191 2/3 or more innings pitched in all but one season from 2004-2009.
Over his 12 seasons in the majors, Marquis has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.55 and 1.434 to go with his SO/9 of 5.2 and BB/9 of 3.5. Last season for the Nationals and Diamondbacks, Marquis held an ERA of 4.43 over his 132 innings of work.
Marquis will join a Twins rotation that already includes Francisco Liriano, Carl Pavano, Scott Baker and Nick Blackburn. Marquis’ addition will likely push former starter Brian Duensing to a bullpen role.
For more on the Twins, be sure to check out Puckett’s Pond.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.