AP sources: Nationals, Marquis agree on 2 years

[December 22, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Two people familiar with the deal have told The Associated Press that the Washington Nationals and free-agent pitcher Jason Marquis have agreed to a two-year contract, pending a physical.

One person said the deal is worth about $15 million. Both spoke to the AP on Monday on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been signed.

The Nationals said that they would hold a news conference at their stadium on Tuesday to announce a free-agent signing, but the team did not say who the player is.

Marquis is a right-hander who went 15-13 with a 4.04 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 216 innings for Colorado in 2009. He adds the sort of veteran, innings-eating presence that Washington's starting rotation has been lacking.

[Associated Press; By HOWARD FENDRICH]

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