Willis Signs Extension With Tigers

UPDATE, 12-20-07 at 11:52am: Jerry Crasnick says Willis has agreed to a three-year, $29MM extension with Detroit.  The deal buys out one year of free agency.  I like it – assuming Willis’ elbow checks out, the Tigers paid the innings-eater rate for a guy who could be more than that.  And by 2010, can you imagine what the innings eater rate will be?

UPDATE, 12-20-07 at 9:04am: Morosi reports that progress has been made on this extension.

FROM 12-19-07 at 1:57pm:

The Tigers have begun talks with Dontrelle Willis’ agent on a three or four-year extension, according to Jon Paul Morosi.  Morosi is thinking around $25-30MM.  It would be Willis’ first multiyear contract.

Morosi notes that both Willis and Nate Robertson are free agents after the 2009 season, and Kenny Rogers might be done after ’08.  Robertson also wants to talk extension.

Jeremy Bonderman is signed through 2010.  He’ll team with Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello to form the team’s pitching nucleus.