As the Cardinal fandom doubles over in hysterical laughter…

Jason Marquis said he’d rather be traded then go to the bullpen. And in doing so he broke out an old pro athlete stand by, telling reporters that “I also have a family to worry about”. That phrase is anathema to the working stiffs that pay his salary and care deeply about the club.

So in essence, Marquis is saying that if Lieber is better than him and takes the 5th spot and he then could strengthen the bullpen for the team’s sake, he’d rather just up and leave. Not exactly a team player now, is he?

Lou had the right response:

“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. 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,” he said. “I’m not pleased with that comment. We’ve had a good camp, everybody’s getting an opportunity. Go out and win a spot in the rotation. Nobody is going to stand in your way if you do it. That’s the easy way out.”

The BoSox had a scout at the game and it’s widely known the Cubs are looking at Coco Crisp. I’m not the biggest Crisp fan–I’d rather see Pie & Fuld–but if Marquis’ primary goal isn’t the team, then thanks for a good first half in 2007 and see ya later.