Piniella on Jason Marquis: 'He Can Go'

One of the main position battles for the Chicago Cubs this spring is for the last two spots of the starting rotation. While it's safe to say that Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, and Rich Hill will more than likely claim three of the five spots, there are four other pitchers fighting for the final two: Jason Marquis, Ryan Dempster, Sean Gallagher, and Jon Lieber.

Well, Jason Marquis was asked on Saturday what he thought about the possibility of having to pitch out of the bullpen, to which Marquis replied, "So as much as I want to be here in Chicago-I love it, I love the fans, I love the stadium-I also have a family to worry about. I think I can take my services elsewhere if that's the case and I can help another team, in that capacity as a starter. So, my value doesn't lie in the bullpen in my mind."

Needless to say, after hearing the comments, manager Lou Piniella wasn't exactly pleased.

"Well, if that's the case, he can go somewhere else," Piniella said. "Win a spot in the rotation, you don't have to worry about it. ... I've got seven starters here for five spots, you know? It's a little bit too early to start talking about what he wants to do or not do."

"You know, that galls me about Marquis, it really does. I'm not pleased with that comment. We've had a good camp over here, everybody's getting an opportunity. Go out and win a spot in the rotation."

"Sure it's a surprise. We've got seven guys here that are competing for spots in the rotation and everyone is going to be given an equal chance. After the first start of spring training, saying if I'm not going to make the rotation I'd like to go somewhere else?

"He can go somewhere else right now if he wants. How's that?"

I'm sure there are many Cubs fans who agree with Piniella. Last season Marquis went 13-9 for the Cubs, but struggled throughout the second half of the season, and was left off of the Cubs postseason roster as a result. A fact that didn't sit well with Marquis, who refused to join his team in the dugout during their lone home game in the divisional series against Arizona.

So none of this should come as a surprise to anybody. It was obvious then that Marquis wasn't exactly a big fan of his manager, and his manager wasn't a big fan of him either. With Marquis' latest comments, and Piniella's response, don't be surprised if Marquis is moved before opening day.