Jason Marquis

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #5 prospect in 2001
  Injuries to the Atlanta pitching staff accelerated Marquis' progress to the major leagues last year. He threw well as a starter in Double-A and as a reliever with Atlanta, but showed the effects of bouncing around with six inconsistent starts at Triple-A. Marquis always has been an intense competitor. He showed more maturity last season by making the climb from Double-A to the big leagues. The jump made him more of a pitcher than a thrower, and may serve as the final ingredient for long-term success. Marquis maintains his outstanding arm strength with a mid-90s fastball, a plus curveball and a good changeup. Marquis' greatest need is better overall command. He also discovered in Triple-A and the majors that he can't overpower hitters if he fails to keep his pitches low in the strike zone. The Braves need help in the bullpen. With a successful test run, Marquis is a viable candidate to serve in a set-up role. He could join the rotation as a fifth starter should an opening occur.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #6 prospect in 2000
  Background: Marquis rebounded from a deceiving 2-12 season in 1998 to dominate when healthy this year. He overwhelmed the Carolina League before being promoted to Double-A Greenville, where a tender right shoulder and a strained abdominal muscle limited his effectiveness. Strengths: Marquis is another power pitcher who does an good job of mixing his 96-mph fastball with a plus curveball and a changeup. His success last spring can be attributed to his pitching inside more often. His competitive streak is apparent on the mound, and draws comparisons to the drive displayed by Greg Maddux. Weaknesses: Health concerns appear to be the biggest obstacle for Marquis. The Braves hope a winter's worth of rest will be the panacea. Marquis also needs to keep all three of his pitches low in the strike zone more consistently. The Future: Marquis is expected to return to the Greenville rotation in 2000. A strong spring could land him in Richmond.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #5 prospect in 1999
  Background: Few minor league stats were more deceiving than Marquis' record at Class A Danville. Even though he lost his first 10 decisions, Carolina League managers rated him the league's fifth-best prospect, and the Braves considered him one of the most improved pitchers in the organization. Strengths: Marquis' calling card is his 96-mph fastball. He added an excellent curveball at Macon in 1997 and two-seam and four-seam changeups last fall during instructional league. His intensity and competitiveness can be intimidating. Marquis expects to win every time he takes the mound. Weaknesses: Marquis throws everything hard and needs a pitch to offset his fastball and curveball. His straight change will be that pitch if he can throw it over the course of a full season. The Future: The addition of his changeups sets the stage for Marquis. He, too, could shoot through the system. A solid spring will land him in Greenville to open the season.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Southern League #18 prospect in 2000
  When they need bullpen help, the Braves aren't afraid to call up pitchers without much Triple-A experience. They did that with Kevin McGlinchy, John Rocker and Mark Wohlers. This year's example was Marquis. Marquis, who throws in the mid-90s and has a fine curveball, served as a setup man in Atlanta. It's unclear whether his ultimate role will be closer or starter.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #92 prospect in 2001
• Ranked Baseball America's #89 prospect in 1999

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  When they need bullpen help, the Braves aren't afraid to call up pitchers without much Triple-A experience. They did that with Kevin McGlinchy, John Rocker and Mark Wohlers. This year's example was Marquis. Marquis, who throws in the mid-90s and has a fine curveball, served as a setup man in Atlanta. It's unclear whether his ultimate role will be closer or starter.
• December, 1998 Scouting Report
  Background: Few minor league stats were more deceiving than Marquis' record at Class A Danville. Even though he lost his first 10 decisions, Carolina League managers rated him the league's fifth-best prospect, and the Braves considered him one of the most improved pitchers in the organization. Strengths: Marquis' calling card is his 96-mph fastball. He added an excellent curveball at Macon in 1997 and two-seam and four-seam changeups last fall during instructional league. His intensity and competitiveness can be intimidating. Marquis expects to win every time he takes the mound. Weaknesses: Marquis throws everything hard and needs a pitch to offset his fastball and curveball. His straight change will be that pitch if he can throw it over the course of a full season. The Future: The addition of his changeups sets the stage for Marquis. He, too, could shoot through the system. A solid spring will land him in Greenville to open the season.