This transaction slipped through the cracks here at MLB Daily Dish last night with the flurry of trades. The Arizona Diamondback traded utility man Zach Walters to the Washington Nationals for RHP Jason Marquis.
Marquis has over nine years of service time in the major leagues and will be a free agent after this year. He has played with six different teams now and has a career ERA of 4.52. He will give the Diamondbacks a reliable fifth starter as they attempt to chase the San Francisco Giants in the NL West. The D-backs are only three games back in the division right now and with a little luck could push the highly favored Giants out of the playoffs.
Zach Walters is a 21-year old player in the A-level Midwest League and has spent time at second base, third base and short stop this year, with a .302/.377/.485 line. He projects as a future utility infielder.
This trade looks good for both sides. The Diamondbacks patch a hole at the back of their rotation and give the Nationals a guy who may be useful in the future off the bench.