Mets Close To Acquiring Marquis From Cubs

The Mets continue to wheel and deal, even on the plane back to New York after a successful week in Vegas.

The Mets are close to finalizing a deal with the Chicago Cubs to acquire starting pitcher Jason Marquis. Marquis was 11-9 last season for Chicago with a 4:53 ERA. Marquis caught the Mets attention at the end of the 2008 season when he cranked a homerun to deep right field to beat the Mets as they began another September swoon.

Marquis is a native New Yorker, born in Manhasset, so no one has to sell him on living in the big city or in Queens. It was his back yard as a kid.

Marquis will fit nicely as the Mets number four or five starter, depending on what they plan to do with free agent Oliver Perez.

Scott Schoeneweis, who also drew the ire of Met fans this season with his lackluster performaces out of the bullpen, will be dealt to Chicago in return.

The deal is not offically done. When it is, the exact terms and players will be published.