Willis An Emotional Wreck?

"The Tigers placed SP Dontrelle Willis on the 15-day DL Monday with an anxiety disorder, but Willis believes the problems are mechanical, not mental. "I've talked to everybody, and I don't feel like I have any nervousness out there," Willis said. "I've got so many moving parts that if one's out of whack from time to time it happens. This is not the first time I've had control problems, but I've been able to overcome it, so I'm not worried about it." Willis has been his usual gregarious self during a three-game interleague series against the Cardinals, constantly joking with teammates. He even punctuated many of his comments about going on the DL with laughter. The team plans to recall right-hander Alfredo Figaro from Triple-A Toledo on Saturday to fill Willis' turn in the rotation against the Brewers (Sportsline)."

How are the Tigers getting away from this. Willis is even coming out and saying that he is not suffering from anxiety. I just don't believe this for a second. He just sucks, and he knows it. Anyways maybe if Dice-K can't get himself going the Sox can get say he was feeling anxious and put him on the DL...

Red Sox 6 Tigers 3 (Sweep)

Dontrelle Willis is a waste of space and proved it again today going 2 1/3 letting up 5 ERs on 0 hits with 5 walks. That is kind of amazing stat line. He had a no hitter going, but walked so many guys it just didn't matter. Willis is a mess, and maybe that "anxiety" is coming back...HAHA

Anyways, the ageless knuckballer had a solid outing going 6 2/3 innings letting up 3 ERs on 8 hits with 3 Ks. Wakefield has now beaten the Tigers 16 times, more than any other active pitcher in the MLB. If you are getting quality starts from your 1-4 starting pitchers like this you are going to sweep a lot of series.

Boston's offense got going on a Jason Bay bases loaded double with led to a 6 run 3rd inning. The Sox didn't score the rest of the game, but they didn't need to as Wakefield started to roll, and once again the bullpen was amazing ending with Papelbon getting his 14 save of the season.

Of course there is always bad news, and that today is that Youk left the game for "precautionary" reasons. It is believed to be some kind of calf injury. I would think it has something to do with his foot being stepped on late in the game yesterday. We'll keep you posted when more information is made available.

This should be the Tiger new logo...

Man they suck.

Dontrelle Willis for Julio Lugo

"The Red Sox have done background work on Dontrelle Willis, stirring up the Willis for Julio Lugo rumors." Cbssportsline

Sure why not. Lugo sucks, Willis sucks, but at least Willis is a pitcher.

D-train Derailed

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