Marquis making sure to live in the moment

DENVER -- Right-hander Jason Marquis has vowed to pay no attention to the dollar figure that could be a part of his future.

Marquis has tied his career high for wins and figures to be an important figure in the Rockies' rotation for the postseason. Because he's also in the last year of his contract, a big performance in the playoffs could lead to a big payday.

Rockies at a glance 2009 record: 92-70 2008 record: 74-88 Clinched NL Wild Card NLDS matchup: Rockies at Phillies Postseason tix: Information WHO ARE THESE GUYS? • Gonzalez: Bat on fire • Bullpen: Hitting stride • Gonzalez: Rewarding Rox • Giambi: Impact beyond bat • Tulowitzki: Ready for return • Cook: Returns right on time • Barmes: Credit to Tracy • Marquis: Living in moment • Ubaldo: Big-game pitcher • Helton/Giambi: Leaders • Stewart: Emerging star • Tracy: Quiet leader • Street: Mutual admiration • De La Rosa: Earning trust • Ubaldo: Sending a message • Helton: Resurgent slugger • Morales: On the attack • Tulowitzki: Vigorous finish More Rockies coverage • Rockies fall to brink of elimination Timely hits in short supply for Rockies Snow could shake up Rockies' plans Winter-like weather forces Game 3 postponement Postponements a postseason tradition Patience to play into Game 3 lineup De La Rosa could return for NLCS Rockies' run coincided with 'pen hitting stride Hammel takes unusual route to playoffs Extra off-day alters both clubs' options Resilient Rockies hold on to win Game 2 Torrealba provides rare gift Injury might be blessing for Cook Rockies put faith in Hammel Phillies can expect chilly reception Seeking spark, Tracy juggles lineup Bats silent against Lee in opener Ubaldo hits wall after fourth inning Rockies, Phillies filling familiar roles Colorado set to Cook up gem in Game 2 Wind makes for wild adventure in Philly Top of lineup is taste of future Beimel expects to draw tough tasks Injured De La Rosa to miss NLDS Rockies learned from run in 2007 Atkins embraces opportunity in NLDS Rockies not to be underestimated De La Rosa to test groin in 'pen session NLDS awaits after loss in finale Rockies fall in LA, finish with Wild Card Surging Rox trim deficit to one Playoff-bound Rox look to build on '07 Rockies clinch playoff spot, eye division Wild Card magic number trimmed to one Iannetta's walk-off homer lifts Rox Barmes' fantastic catch in question Rockies know focus can't diminish Rockies take rubber game from Cards Loss to Cards trims Wild Card lead Torrealba's sac fly gives Rox big win Gonzalez returns to Rockies' lineup Rox drop chance to extend lead Cook returns in heat of race

But one reason Marquis (15-12) has been a model of consistency for much of the season is because he hasn't concerned himself with much beyond the present.

"This is my second time going through free agency, and I think last time, I got ahead of myself," Marquis said. "I think that's what went wrong the second half of the '06 season. I really got too far ahead of myself, looking too far into the future instead of living in the moment, focusing on my task at hand.

"I learned my lesson. You learn from you mistakes. It's been helpful. When that path comes, we'll cross it, and we'll see where it takes us."

Back in 2006, Marquis went 11-6 with a 5.55 ERA before the All-Star break with the Cardinals. In the second half, he was 3-10 with a 6.72 ERA. The Cards would win the World Series, but Marquis would not participate in any of the postseason games.

Nonetheless, he received a three-year, $21 million contract from the Cubs. Marquis went a respectable 23-18 with a 4.57 ERA over two seasons for Chicago, but the Cubs picked his salary to unload.

The Rockies acquired him for reliever Luis Vizcaino in a winter deal that didn't receive much attention, but it helped the Rockies develop into a playoff team.

The 31-year-old Marquis received his first All-Star Game invitation this year after going 11-6 in the first half. He has had some second-half struggles, but those have more to do with out-of-kilter mechanics on his sinker for a six-start period. His last start was much better. He had to pitch through traffic -- six hits and four walks in six innings -- but gave up just two runs in the Rockies' 7-5 victory over the Brewers on Tuesday.

Marquis' team has advanced to the postseason in each of his 10 seasons in the Majors, counting this one.

"We have a good chance to do something special," he said. "It never gets old. I don't take it for granted, because I've been in this position a lot of times. I bring some experience and knowledge for guys who want to ask me questions.

"I always want to prove the believers right -- the people who are on my side and want to have me on their team. Hopefully, I've brought some leadership to this team [for] some young pitchers, some guys who just needed to get over that hump. Hopefully, I've provided that. I'm enjoying every bit of it."