Into the Mind of Marquis

Very interesting article at Cubs.com today about Jason Marquis. Notorious for his second half slumps, and pitching just one game in the post-season in the past seven years - despite being on five teams that made it there, Jason seems to know what the problem is.

"From a physical standpoint, I felt great," said Marquis, who has heard enough about his second-half syndrome. "Sometimes you start out good, and you get your hopes up and you're worried about the light at the end of the tunnel too quickly. You start focusing on, 'Oh man, I could have a great season -- I could do this, I could do that.'"

Lou sees it about the same.

"I don't know if it's a little self doubt. I think he needs to forget about what's happened the last two years in the second half of the year, toward the end of the year, and concentrate on game by game, inning by inning and pitch by pitch. I think that's the best way to overcome that."

No matter what the nuance, hey both agree with Larry Rothschild - the issues are related to his thought processes and their direct impact on his ability to focus and pitch. He can't get out of his own way, so he's getting some help.

"Back when I was 21, 22 [years old], I went to see somebody and I didn't take to them," he said. "We weren't on the same page, and I didn't feel like it would work for me. I tried it in the past, and I sort of gave up on it because it didn't work the first time around. I was able to find somebody I connected with, and it's been a good thing."

I hope he can turn it around - this is a hopeful story on a few levels. I constantly rag on the guy as a pitcher, despite the fact that I like him.

I like him for his background, where he grew up, and how he deals with the media. Mostly, I like the New York accent. Born in Manhasset, raised in Staten Island - what's not to like? Mentions his mother's brisquit in a vine line Q&A piece, even.

I'm a Jersey kid who moved to Long Island and, well, I love my Mom, but her brisquit, meh. I hope he can pitch well so Lou can kick Dempster out of the rotation and back where he belongs. Otherwise, he's trade bait.