The Padres have presumably filled one of their rotation spots with a heap of metallic refuse often referred to by other humanoids as “Jason Marquis.” Marquis, who is somehow only 34 despite seeming to have spoiled pitching rotations for like 20 years, will get $3 million to try his best to upend San Diego’s chance at a surprising 2013 season. If you can’t tell already, we don’t like this move for the Padres, and we can think of around a thousand ways the team could have acquitted itself better in this situation.

Marquis had a string of respectable starts upon joining the Padres in 2012, and we’re guessing that had to have played some role in his reemergence with the team. The end result was still gross, however, as the pitcher still finished up the season with a 5.22 ERA and 5.09 FIP despite pitching about one-third of his innings at the impregnable Petco. Even at Petco, Marquis managed a WHIP just a shade under 1.40, and we’re willing to bet things will get even worse. This just isn’t much of a Major League pitcher anymore.

Like many other teams, the Padres had to find a cheap way to fill out that back of their rotation, but Marquis is a terrible way to go. Not only is there no upside to be found, he doesn’t even offer the higher floor that often represents an advantage with veteran pitchers. Marquis has been actually cost his teams wins in terms of WAR in two of the last three seasons, and there’s little chance any of that will change. The Padres should have worked a bit harder and found a better solution as they continue to plug in veterans around a burgeoning group of young players. At least Marquis can hit a little, I guess.

Tagged: Jason Marquis, MLB free agent signings, MLB hot stove, MLB winter meetings, San Diego Padres, The Stanpede!