Jason Marquis posted an 8.47 ERA in seven starts before the Twins let him go, but it doesn't sound like he'll be out of work for long.
According to a major league source, the Padres are giving serious thought to signing Marquis, with the hope that he can bolster their injury-depleted rotation. The Twins designated Marquis for assignment last week, and he cleared waivers Monday, becoming a free agent.
The Padres would only have to pay Marquis a pro-rated portion of the $480,000 MLB minimum, with the Twins on the hook for the rest of his $3 million contract.
Marquis, 33, has won 106 games in his 13-year MLB career. Most of that has been spent in the National League, as the Twins were his first American League stop. Just last year, the righthander went 8-6 with a 4.43 ERA in 23 combined starts for the Nationals and Diamondbacks.
After signing with the Twins, he missed time during spring training after his 7-year-old daughter was in a serious bicycle accident. She has made a full recovery, but after starting this season at Class AA New Britain, Marquis had a hard time rediscovering his old form with the Twins.
