The Diamondbacks have designated Dontrelle Willis for assignment, per a team press release. The move clears a roster spot for Jordan Norberto, who was recalled from Triple-A.
The D'Backs traded for Willis just over a month ago, acquiring the left-hander shortly after the Tigers had designated him for assignment. Although Willis got off to a promising start in Arizona, tossing six shutout innings in his debut, control issues plagued his later outings. He walked 27 hitters in just 22.1 IP for the D'Backs.
After Willis' last DFA, there were reportedly four teams interested in the 28-year-old, so we'll see if one of those other clubs gets involved now that his time in Arizona appears to be over.
Can anyone honestly say that they were surprised at this move? It’s a shame to see a pitcher go from All Star to nothing, but that’s the game sometimes.
What’s the next move for Dontrelle? A Rick Ankiel impersonation to become a position player?
Well, Dontrelle did have some pop in that bat.
Heck, he can’t pitch, might as well try it!
A lot of people have been like that. Lots of people say it is the end of the Federer era and the Venus and Serena Williams lost in doubles. So it is the end of eras for those guys. It’s also the end of the era for Daisuke Matsuzaka because he’s been bad lately. Many people are turning into Dontrelle Willis in all sports. Dontrelle is like Larry Johnson-All-Star to Non All-Star. Dontrelle is not a bust, he is just awful and can’t pitch a strike. End of story
Time catches up to everyone!
A lot of people in a lot of sports are turning in to Dontrelle. Examples are Shaun Alexander, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Larry Johnson but not really for LJ. Roger Federer may be turning into Dontrelle because he lost in the Quarterfinals of Wimbledon and he’s made it to every Wimbledon final since 2002. He also nearly lost the first round to Alejandro Falla. He lost to #10 seed Tomas Berdych but Rafael Nadal beat Berdych in straight sets. Andy Roddick is somewhat turning into Dontrelle. My point is there will always be a guy like Dontrelle but no one will ever be as bad as the King of the Bad Pitchers, Dontrelle Willis. Dice-K is kinda turnin into Dontrelle.
Not surprised ….
If there is a pitching coach in Baseball that could straiten out his mechanics/control issues, Darrin Balsley is your guy!I under stand the Padres want reliable pitching depth but If they (the Padres) could get him to get in the system (on the cheap) that would be interesting to stay in the NL West. Unrealistic, Padres really need a reliable starter but I just have to root for such a solid guy like Dontrelle, hope he can regain his stellar form.
I could think of another pitching coach too…..Dave Duncan.
Exactly what I was thinking. Another Dave Duncan project.
I don’t think Willis is going to change his mechanics. And that’s what is making him suck so bad.
I don’t think Willis is going to change his mechanics. And that’s what is making him suck so bad.
I just see him staying in the NL West. In no way Am I comparing pitching coaches, merely stating my obvious bias. However, when Greg Maddux says D. Balsley is the best pitching coach he has ever had, I think that speaks volumes, especially considering who he was under in Atlanta, (Leo Mazzone) just sayin…
I just see him staying in the NL West. In no way Am I comparing pitching coaches, merely stating my obvious bias. However, when Greg Maddux says D. Balsley is the best pitching coach he has ever had, I think that speaks volumes, especially considering who he was under in Atlanta, (Leo Mazzone) just sayin…
It’s can’t be Lou Pinella because he can’t even straighten out Carlos Zambrano!!!
Nobody can’t straighten out Carlos Zambrano though!!!
This should have happened a long time ago
Shame was a good pitcher , sad to see career is over
Watch this video and this is what I think of his career:youtube.com/watch?v=UQ92eyxnxmQ
That’s what I think of his career
I don’t think his career is quite over yet. He’s young enough that someone will take him for nothing in the hopes of resurrecting his career with the right coaching/training regimen.
And the idea of him becoming a position player isn’t too crazy. Stranger things have happened. I’d be interested to see how that would play out. Maybe the A’s could take a stab at him?
I don’t think his career is quite over yet. He’s young enough that someone will take him for nothing in the hopes of resurrecting his career with the right coaching/training regimen.
And the idea of him becoming a position player isn’t too crazy. Stranger things have happened. I’d be interested to see how that would play out. Maybe the A’s could take a stab at him?
I think he would seriously have to re-invent himself to pitch effectively again. His mechainics are awful… I think his breakout year had a lot to do with deception, which the hitters got used to, and the scouting reports got better. It’d be worth someone’s time for the major league minimum to try though.
Why not? He’s costing you league minimum (or less). Pull him aside and put him with a pitching coach who is primarily dedicated to just him.
There’s no question that he had some talent in there. I have to believe that some coach, somewhere can get this guy to be an average major league pitcher.
5 bucks says ozzie tells kenny to get this guy to be the long reliever…seeing as ozzie is inlove with guys he had on the marlins championship team years ago
5 bucks says ozzie tells kenny to get this guy to be the long reliever…seeing as ozzie is inlove with guys he had on the marlins championship team years ago
Didn’t the marlins say if he didn’t do good with the dbacks, they would claim him off the waivers and use him in their bullpen? but yeah, this is pure headcase right here.
Didn’t the marlins say if he didn’t do good with the dbacks, they would claim him off the waivers and use him in their bullpen? but yeah, this is pure headcase right here.
Dontrelle immediately after each 2 of his Dodger Stadium appearances: DFA.
He sure looked last night like his arm or hand was bothering him—even warming up in pen.
Dontrelle immediately after each 2 of his Dodger Stadium appearances: DFA.
He sure looked last night like his arm or hand was bothering him—even warming up in pen.
Rick Honeycutt would be a great teacher for him and can help him over come this the Dodgers needs better pitching and above all else Willis can hit why not give him a chance
Rick Honeycutt would be a great teacher for him and can help him over come this the Dodgers needs better pitching and above all else Willis can hit why not give him a chance
His career is over. He has been given 3 chances now to “come back” and keeps failing miserably
His career is over. He has been given 3 chances now to “come back” and keeps failing miserably
Wow, I never saw this coming (DFA). Oh wait, everyone did.
Wow, I never saw this coming (DFA). Oh wait, everyone did.
lefty out of the bullpen for the sox? that can be a long man that we need cuz linebrink and tony pena aren’t cutting it.
lefty out of the bullpen for the sox? that can be a long man that we need cuz linebrink and tony pena aren’t cutting it.
Hard to believe he went from being the Cy Young runner up in 2005 all the way to this..
Sad sight some thought this kid was going to be the next great.
Willis Would Look Good In A Phillies Uniform.
Mets should take a flyer.
Any team’s GM would be smart to pick him up for the league minimum and convert him to an outfielder. Hell, the guy hits better than some everyday position players.
It’s really sad to see D-Train struggle. I would say D, Andruw Jones and Carlos Zambrano have dropped the most
The Giants could use him in the pen…just a thought?