Magnanimous Marquis set to face Cubs

Jason Marquis has been something of a talisman for his employers. In each of his nine major-league seasons -- the last two with the Cubs -- the veteran right-hander has been a member of a playoff team.

''It's a nice thing to have on a resume,'' he said with a smile.

But the Cubs won't benefit from the good fortune this year. Marquis is pitching for the Colorado Rockies after an offseason trade and will make his second start of the season Wednesday against his former teammates.

''It would definitely be nice to be part of a Colorado Rockies playoff team,'' he said.

He said it with no malice for the organization that traded him in January for reliever Luis Vizcaino.

''It will always be a good memory,'' Marquis said of his Cubs tenure. ''I have friends there still. I was in the weight room [in the Cubs' clubhouse Monday] and talked shop with the guys. You miss the camaraderie, but you develop new ones.''

When he faces the Cubs on Wednesday, it will be about business -- not payback.

''When I got traded from the Braves to St. Louis and I faced them the first time, it was maybe more revengeful,'' Marquis said. ''But once I signed with the Cubs and played against my old teammates, it was old hat. It was fun. I guess I've learned to control my emotions.''

Marquis won his first start Friday at Coors Field against the defending World Series-champion Philadelphia Phillies, giving up two runs and five hits in seven innings and getting 13 ground-ball outs, including two double plays.

''Pitching [at Wrigley Field], you always have an opportunity [to win] with the wind blowing in, but I try to just pitch wherever I am and not buy into the myths,'' he said. ''I've had good success in Coors Field and here. I just keep attacking the hitter the way I have.''

The steady approach has worked well for Marquis, helping him adapt to his new surroundings after the three-year stay he expected in Chicago was cut short.

''The fans who support you day in and out here bring a lot of energy, and that's one of the reasons I chose to sign here,'' Marquis said. ''It didn't work out, but I had a blast here.

''We have a good, young team and I'm excited about it. I had a good spring training, and I'm excited about another chapter in my baseball life.''

CHARMED LIFE

Jason Marquis' team has made the playoffs in each of his nine major-league seasons.

Year Team Playoff result

- 2000 Braves Lost in NLDS

2001 Braves Lost in NLCS

- 2002 Braves Lost in NLDS

- 2003 Braves Lost in NLDS

2004 Cardinals Lost in World Series

2005 Cardinals Lost in NLCS

- 2006 Cardinals Won World Series

- 2007 Cubs Lost in NLDS

2008 Cubs Lost in NLDS

- Marquis not on postseason roster

Photo: David Zalubowski, AP / Jason Marquis has been something of a good-luck charm. ;