Last night Dontrelle Willis made his second start since returning from the DL. Willis went 1 1/3 innings giving up 8 earned on three hits and five walks. The Tigers went on to lose the game 8-2. This performance ballooned Willis’ ERA to 10.32. The problem with Willis is his herky-jerky unorthodox delivery is not fooling anyone anymore. Welcome to the American League Dontrelle, you’re facing the best hitters in baseball. Willis cannot seem to control his fastball, nor has he shown any ability to throw from the stretch. The Tigers have a lot riding on the D-train, since Bonderman landed on the DL. Not to mention that he is making 7 million this year. The Tigers have used Dontrelle in relief once since coming back from a hyper extended knee, in which Willis walked 2 and allowed 1 earned in just one inning of work.
What does this mean for the Tigers? Once Bonderman returns from the DL he will take Willis’ sport in the rotation and Armando Galaraga will remain the fifth starter. As for Dontrelle, banished to the bullpen. Since winning N.L. Rookie of the Year honors in 2003, Dontrelle has had just once season where he posted a record above .500. Willis was a flash in the pan, a modern day gimmick pitcher. The good news is that he plays on the Detroit Tigers where it is “ok” to underachieve. The Tigers are in fourth place in the A.L. (Comedy) Central division where the White Sox have the only winning record. If this continues, the Tigers will be the most disappointing team of 2008.
-Brian B
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