The trade of right-handed reliever Luis Vizcaino to the Cubs for right-handed starter Jason Marquis was announced Jan. 6, one day after general manager Dan O'Dowd flew to New York to visit Marquis, who lives on Staten Island.
Marquis said he knew the Cubs were going to trade him because they were seeking some payroll flexibility to accommodate the signing of outfielder Milton Bradley. Regardless, Marquis greatly appreciated O'Dowd's gesture. "It was huge, very surprising, very unexpected," Marquis said. "For him to show me the respect to come out and make me feel comfortable and make me feel wanted by the Colorado Rockies and tell me the direction the team is going, the promise that they have for the team, just made me feel a part of the organization right away. That's all you can ask for as a player."
Manager Clint Hurdle was on vacation in Hawaii; otherwise he would have accompanied O'Dowd on the trip to New York. Regardless, O'Dowd met with Marquis, his wife, Debbie, and Marquis' agents and explained the lay of the land in Denver to Marquis.
"I think our environment will bring out the best in him," O'Dowd said. "I think we'll have a very positive environment for him to perform in."
