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Reds To Sign Dontrelle Willis

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | November 22, 2010 at 3:36pm CDT

The Reds have agreed to sign Dontrelle Willis to a minor league deal, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Still just 28, Willis has gone from rookie phenom to ace to trade chip to bust to reclamation project in his eight-year MLB career. The Reds are presumably willing to overlook the control problems Willis has had in recent years because of the promise he showed when he first appeared in the majors in the early 2000s.

The lefty pitched to a 5.62 ERA in 65 2/3 innings with the Tigers and Diamondbacks last year, walking more batters (56) than he struck out (47). In fact, Willis has walked more batters than he has struck out every season since the Marlins traded him to Detroit in December of 2007.

The Tigers designated Willis for assignment last year before trading him to Arizona. After a brief stint with the D'Backs, Willis signed with the Giants, but did not appear in a big league game for San Francisco.

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Cincinnati Reds Transactions Dontrelle Willis

Multiple Teams Interested In Jarrod Washburn
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99 Comments

  1. gigantes2425

    15 years ago

    Sad to see how this guys career turned out.

    Reply
    • Dave_Gershman

      15 years ago

      indeed…But it’s good to see him sign with a team…And glad it’s the Reds…I guess the Reds just felt they needed to ride the D-Train…I don’t blame em.

      Reply
  2. bosoque

    15 years ago

    As a pitcher?

    Reply
    • ludafish

      15 years ago

      thats a good question. As funky as his body is he was always very athletic and a good hitter. you never know. as anyone ever tried to be a lefty pinch hitter and lefty specialist? i guess you need to throw strikes before you can do that

      Reply
    • bayday5

      15 years ago

      he could be a decent .250 hitter

      Reply
      • bosoque

        15 years ago

        Couldn’t be any worse than Rick Ankiel.

        Reply
  3. Kaiser_Wilhelm_II

    15 years ago

    AWESOME !!!!

    I can’t wait to watch Pujols pound him in Great American Ballpark.

    Reply
    • Joel Clark

      15 years ago

      Pujols who? Votto and company are gonna rock the Cards next year!

      Reply
      • HipNip2009

        15 years ago

        Except for one series, they rocked them THIS year.

        Reply
      • IIMadzII

        15 years ago

        Votto’s got a long road ahead of him before he can even come close to eclipsing Pujols’ status.

        Reply
  4. GriffeyandSizemore

    15 years ago

    I loved this guy I’m glad to see he’s getting another chance.

    Reply
    • dc21892

      15 years ago

      Same here. If he can regain half of his form he can be a quality 3-5 pitcher.

      Reply
  5. MiamiFan

    15 years ago

    Its really sad to see his career turn to nothing. Really hope he can find his stride.

    Reply
  6. Ferrariman

    15 years ago

    did this guy ever roid?

    Reply
    • elscorcho the marlin

      15 years ago

      not that i know of. he gained weight after the roid era. some say that is why his delivery is messed up. he needs to get skinny again for that leg kick to work.

      Reply
  7. junior ballbag

    15 years ago

    It amazes me how some of these guys continually get jobs.

    Reply
    • Jay

      15 years ago

      does not hurt to to him to minor league deal. Maybe someone on the Reds knows what his problem is. Minor league deal always worth taking a shot at finding his old form.

      Reply
    • Red_Line_9

      15 years ago

      The joys of being left handed.

      Reply
      • HipNip2009

        15 years ago

        That’s seemingly the ONLY reason. Good point.

        Reply
        • Red_Line_9

          15 years ago

          It’s really just newsless news. Who knows? Willis probably has the connections to call up many teams and ask for a chance. Someone will have to make those starts in AAA….plus he’d be a decent gate draw. Not much lost, and he might contribute to the organization.

          Reply
    • IIMadzII

      15 years ago

      To an extent, yeah. But he was successful when he was younger. Cy Young candidate and former ROtY. I know this happens to players.. they don’t pan out, but he once was able to pitch pretty dominantly. Kind of mysterious how he went from Cy Young runner up to a .500 pitcher, to a plus 5 ERA in 3 seasons. He always seemed like a good guy so I don’t mind someone like him getting a few more chances.

      Reply
  8. DetroitTigers24

    15 years ago

    Noooooo!!!! Oh God why?!!!

    Reply
  9. RiverKKiller999

    15 years ago

    Cards should have signed him and let Duncan work with him and see what happens.

    Reply
    • CJ Montiel

      15 years ago

      For sure! Although Duncan works more with game preparation than mechanics which looks to be what’s wrong with Willis looking at his control issues. He is the miracle worker though so I guess you never know what could’ve been.

      Reply
      • Kaiser_Wilhelm_II

        15 years ago

        I’d rather see Duncan work with Webb, Rich Hill, Washburn, or mabye like 200 others before Willis.

        Reply
        • CJ Montiel

          15 years ago

          Hahahaha! Very true. I really hope they try and sign a guy like Zach Duke. Maybe that’ll light a fire under Lohse and create some more competition for the 5th starter spot.

          Reply
          • Kaiser_Wilhelm_II

            15 years ago

            I agree…….

            Loshe needs to be motivated with competition for his rotation slot….. (screw his contract.)

            Zach Duke would be a good one who could be had. I wouldn’t mind shooting a bit higher for someone like Javier Vazquez.

            Reply
        • Stl_Great

          15 years ago

          We had Rich Hill…

          Reply
  10. safari_punch

    15 years ago

    2011 Stats (projection)

    W – 16
    L – 4
    ERA: 3.68
    K:188
    BB: 79
    WHIP: 1.2899

    Reply
    • Kaiser_Wilhelm_II

      15 years ago

      ^ I doubt it.

      Mabye switch the 16 and the 4 and that is more like it.

      Reply
      • safari_punch

        15 years ago

        You’re probably right.

        I would still take him on the cheap over Aaron Harang.

        Reply
    • InLeylandWeTrust

      15 years ago

      Also swap the strikeouts and walks

      Reply
      • safari_punch

        15 years ago

        You’re probably right there too.

        And the WHIP?

        Reply
    • Kris Noble

      15 years ago

      Projection?? or prediction?

      Reply
      • safari_punch

        15 years ago

        Projection based on divine intervention.

        Reply
    • The_Silver_Stacker

      15 years ago

      Flip the wins and the losses as well and double the era

      Reply
    • bosoque

      15 years ago

      Maybe in his R.B.I. league

      Reply
    • Jay

      15 years ago

      That would be a dream come true if that happen but its really unlikely. The deal was made just to see if they could figure out what the problem is with him the past few years. Maybe they make him into a middle reliever if he is solid this year and then can prove he has something toss him into the back of the rotation after Cordero is gone.

      Reply
    • Bernaldo

      15 years ago

      That is NOT a projection! An honest projection requires using accurate data and reliable information to estimate an outcome based on measurable factors. Your “2011 Stats” is merely a wild guess.

      Reply
  11. InLeylandWeTrust

    15 years ago

    This is bringing back bad memories…Thank the good lord we got Cabrera with him though.

    Reply
  12. Aaron M

    15 years ago

    What makes everyone think that because they signed him he is going to automatically get thrown into the rotation? For all we know he could be a signing to see if he could be a lefty specialist or start the season in the minors working on his delivery. No way he beats out Bailey/Wood etc unless he dominates spring training.

    Reply
    • dc21892

      15 years ago

      You make a good point.

      Reply
    • CJ Montiel

      15 years ago

      That’s probably what they’re hoping for. This is obviously a low risk / high reward signing. If by some miracle he returns to his old form in spring training I’m sure they won’t have a problem handing him the ball every 5th day. If not, then who cares!? lol

      Reply
    • Anthony Boyer

      15 years ago

      As a minor league signing, I happen to love it for the Reds. He becomes a project that could pan out in a big way… or basically cost them nothing if he doesn’t.

      Reply
    • YanksFanSince78

      15 years ago

      His lefty/righty splits are sick.

      Reply
  13. Wilson

    15 years ago

    he’ll ruin roldy, no doubt.

    Reply
  14. TartanElk

    15 years ago

    He went back to Arizona last year because he said he enjoyed hitting. So, why not just make him the next Ankiel. Teach him how to play 1B/LF/3B (One of them, not all three) and hope something clicks.

    Reply
    • bustersposey

      15 years ago

      i’d love to see him be the first left handed throwing 3b failed pitching reclamtion project in history…

      Reply
      • TartanElk

        15 years ago

        I never understood the whole handedness problem. I can’t throw with my right hand to save my life. So being a snotty child, I insisted I be able to throw left-handed and it worked out well playing 3B for me.

        Reply
        • CaseyBlakeDeWitt

          15 years ago

          You lay a bunt down the third base line, a lefty can never throw out the runner.

          Reply
          • TartanElk

            15 years ago

            Never, as in 0% chance of that happening in any of the next million years?

            Reply
            • CaseyBlakeDeWitt

              15 years ago

              Sorry. Not 0% but there is almost no chance they’re going to throw out the runner. I don’t think any team will ever put a lefty at third when their is a righty available to play

              Reply
              • martyman24

                15 years ago

                Yeah, lefties just do a fancy spin and throw and it would be a web gem every time a left handed 3rd basemen threw threw out a runner that bunted.

                But whats the deal with no left handed catchers? I mean i played catcher all my high school years and im a lefty, and i never really found anything that was more difficult for me than it would be for a righty…you get me?

                Reply
                • CaseyBlakeDeWitt

                  15 years ago

                  Haha. That play would be quite spectacular if it could be made consistently. Left-handed catchers is because of the throw to third base I believe.

                  Reply
                  • Jake Humphrey

                    15 years ago

                    That, and most hitters are right-handed. They’d get in the way of a left-handed catcher throwing out baserunners.

                    Reply
                    • CaseyBlakeDeWitt

                      15 years ago

                      Good point. Never actually thought of that one.

                      Reply
                      • Jake Humphrey

                        15 years ago

                        That’s one reason the old-school mentality of line-up construction has you batting a lefty in the two hole. One is so that he can pull the ball through the right side of the infield, the other is that he’ll get in the way of the catcher trying to throw out your speedy leadoff man as he’s trying to steal a base.

                        Reply
                    • martyman24

                      15 years ago

                      Yeah okay, i agree with you on that, but o boy was it fun to snap a throw to first base and i found that to be relatively easy as a lefty. Picked a lot of ppl off, so no real need in throwing down to second when there out at first lol jk but good point thanks.

                      Reply
  15. O971

    15 years ago

    I used to love watching this guy pitch. He always looked like he was having so much fun playing the game and it would be great to see him get some of that back.

    Edit:Just realized how much that looks a Mark Prior post.

    Reply
    • dc21892

      15 years ago

      You’re telling me. I invested in this kids rookie card and an autographed baseball and everything. Same with Sidney Ponson. It’s irrelevant now :P.

      Reply
      • The_Silver_Stacker

        15 years ago

        Sidney Ponson, now thats a name that makes my face grimeace

        Reply
    • elscorcho the marlin

      15 years ago

      dontrelle was my favorite pitcher to watch play. he sold me on coming to games, and being a part of what was going on. i only hope they can straighten this kid out. he was too good to be this bad now.

      Reply
  16. Aaron M

    15 years ago

    The Reds would not do that, they would be more likely to attempt to do that to Owings, and Willis is not even close to a big league polished hitter.

    Reply
  17. bayday5

    15 years ago

    been on 4 teams and still sux, wow tough luck. imagine him with the pirates old pitching coach-that is about as bad as a elementary school pitcher in Little League

    Reply
  18. Braydon

    15 years ago

    If the Reds were smart they would put a call into Mel Queen. Hire him to be a special consultant and have him work with Dontrelle. Queen made Roy Halladay the best in baseball, I’m sure he could help bring Dontrelle back to where he was.

    Reply
  19. Cory J. Settoon

    15 years ago

    Maybe he should just pull a Rick Ankiel.

    Reply
    • elscorcho the marlin

      15 years ago

      he was a good hitting pitcher.

      Reply
  20. Ferrariman

    15 years ago

    well he’s already got a messed up delivery, might as well let Dusty blow up whats left of him.

    Reply
    • sergio

      15 years ago

      ha, beat me to it; I was gonna say that Dusty is going to put him out of his misery…

      Reply
    • safari_punch

      15 years ago

      Or maybe Chappy McChapperson will show him how to find the strike zone.

      Reply
  21. Anthony Boyer

    15 years ago

    With Micah Owings and Bronson Arroyo, the Reds could have this Designated Hitter rule beat.

    Reply
    • Natinals

      15 years ago

      Travis Wood and Mike Leake looked like they could hit too

      Reply
  22. Pawsdeep

    15 years ago

    I really hope Willis does well. It’s too bad he couldn’t do it in Detroit because of everything he did for the community and how well the city responded to him, even in his worst of times but I don’t care where he’s at, I still hope for the best for him.

    Reply
  23. YanksFanSince78

    15 years ago

    Funny. I worte in a Yanks post that he would be an interesting guy to sign as a lefty specialist on a minor lge deal. His numbers against lefties have historicaly bee sick.

    Career: Lefties vs Righties

    FIP: 2.54 vs 4.60
    Whip: 1.07 vs 1.51
    KK/BB: 3.42vs 1.52
    K/9: 10.50 vs 5.72
    BB/9: 3.07 vs 3.96
    HR/9: 0.43 vs 0.94

    2010- 2.13 FIP, 1.14 whip, 12.86 K/9 ……

    I would LOVE to see what he could do in a lefty only capacity!!!

    Reply
    • Gumby65

      15 years ago

      Frank Tanana’s also been HISTRICALLy great against left hand hitters… sign him too?

      j/k, hope D-train makes a decent comeback, hoped same thing last year too

      Reply
      • YanksFanSince78

        15 years ago

        Except D-train did in 2010 as well so…yeah. But if AARP had a senior lge I’d snatch him up in a second.

        Reply
  24. Rodger

    15 years ago

    The Cards have Kyle Lohse making over $11 mill for the next two years. I wouldn’t talk too much smack, Redbird-fans. At least the D-train comes cheap.

    Reply
    • Jacob

      15 years ago

      please at least loshe can throw a strike

      Reply
    • Jacob

      15 years ago

      please at least loshe can throw a strike

      Reply
      • Stl_Great

        15 years ago

        Don’t talk about Lohse is any good way…

        Reply
      • Jay

        15 years ago

        Loshe was a decent pitcher oh maybe about 5 years ago. lol…. Makes me laugh when the Cardinals have him pitching,

        Reply
  25. Jacob

    15 years ago

    besides dont you guys already have a solid left hander in chapman what do you need a guy like willis for

    Reply
    • Jay

      15 years ago

      its a cheap gamble… You can never have enough pitching is the line. Willis might have something left that can be fixed to make him a decent reliever. Even though the Reds are deep looking in starters it only takes 2 or 3 starters down and that depth is gone. Its worth a shot to see what he can do.

      Reply
  26. Stl_Great

    15 years ago

    I can’t wait to see the D-TRAIN arrive at Busch Stadium!!!

    Reply
    • Ferrariman

      15 years ago

      you mean d-trainwreck

      Reply
  27. Mel

    15 years ago

    Damn, may as well sign Mike Hampton. Owings, Arroyo, Willis, and Hampton…..would make for a good pitchers-only Home Run Derby before games.

    Reply
    • Jake Humphrey

      15 years ago

      Until Mike Hampton tore his hammy walking into the batter’s box.

      Reply
    • robdicken

      15 years ago

      Say what you want about Arroyo, but the guy has won 16 games 3 years in a row with over 200 innings pitched, and led the league this year in innings pitched. He may give up homeruns, but so did Robin Roberts, and we all know how his career ended up.

      Reply
      • nathanalext

        15 years ago

        Hey mate, relax. He was complimenting his hitting ability.

        Reply
  28. Red_Line_9

    15 years ago

    Someone hasto make those AAA starts and be a gate attraction.

    Reply
  29. Sanjay

    15 years ago

    Wonder how much Aroldis Chapman has to do with this. They kinda have similar deliveries, left-handed, high leg kick. Maybe they feel if they can work out Chapman’s kinks they can work out Dontrelle’s as well.

    Reply
  30. Shawn K

    15 years ago

    sorry to be that guy but: Dontrelle’s WILLIS strong to come back and be a solid pitcher again.

    Reply
  31. Shawn K

    15 years ago

    In this stage of dontrelle’s career i think he’d be better off as a reliever, and hopefully he can regain his form, sort of like what Kerry Wood did with the Yankees this year. This kid has all the talent in the world and it’s a shame to see it go to waste. I hope all the best for him with the Reds, same goes for Cameron Maybin(another player with much talent but nothing to show for it so far).

    Reply
  32. 1104

    15 years ago

    Dontrelle Willis = Kenny Powers

    Reply
  33. elscorcho the marlin

    15 years ago

    another low risk, high reward situation.

    Reply
  34. Yankees579

    15 years ago

    I hope he pitches well..

    Reply
  35. danthebaseballman

    15 years ago

    Oh boy.

    Reply

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