Marcum's last start came after learning his grandmother died

[Alfred]

In the wake of the Blue Jays' overwhelming win, Gaston revealed another aspect of Marcum's performance that made it even more impressive. Marcum's grandmother passed away earlier this week and the pitcher was scheduled to fly to Dayton, Ohio, following the game to join his family for the funeral.

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/ar ... p&c_id=tor

Well, that's certainly something.

[rarefind]

Speaks volumes to his competitive nature. He went out there and threw one of his better performances against a pretty good line up. Can't say I am surprised, the guy definitely comes up big for this team consistently.

[Randle McMurphy]

He didn't even have his change working and still battled through that lineup.

[Schad]

I'm really impressed with Marcum. TJ surgery tends to have more of an effect mentally than physically; many pitchers cease trusting their motion for fear of re-injury, and their control suffers for some time after they return. For that reason, I thought that Marcum would really struggle out of the gate, given that pinpoint control and the repeatability of his mechanics are his lifeblood, but he's a tough little bastard.

[darth_federer]

He doesnt have ace stuff, but hes a fighter and he can have a very good career if he keeps at it.

[tsherkin]

Another reason to be happy with Marcum. He just keeps on going...

[mastertang]

Wow that's crazy... I actually talked to his grandma a few years ago when the Jays played in Detroit. My brother and I saw an older couple wearing Marcum jerseys so we said nice jerseys, then she told us she's his grandma and we talked for a bit lol it was pretty cool. Pretty incredible he could still pitch though.