The prediction here is that Drew will have a huge 2004 for the Braves. Drew is due to become a free agent after the season, and his agent, Scott Boras, undoubtedly will have Drew revved up for a salary drive.

The Cardinals, who already had invested more than $15 million in Drew, couldn't afford to gamble additional substantial revenue on his ambivalence and fragility. General manager Walt Jocketty had to clear salary before going to market to fill his team's long list of needs. Even if Drew wins the Triple Crown next season, we must remember: The Cardinals wouldn't have been able to re-sign him after next season. Drew was gone, anyway. So at least they got something for him now.

Marquis, 25, throws hard and was miscast as a reliever most of last season. But as a fill-in starter for the Braves over the past three seasons, his ERA was a respectable 4.17. He's capable of being very good. This is another project for pitching coach Dave Duncan, who couldn't fix Brett Tomko last season.

Yes, it makes me nervous that the Braves gave up on Marquis; manager Bobby Cox and pitching coach Leo Mazzone have an eye for evaluating pitchers. And if they're parting with Marquis, it makes me wonder: What's wrong with him? Then again, perhaps Marquis will turn out to be another Jason Schmidt. (The Braves traded him away, too.)