Comments on: D-saster

By: Matt in Toledo

Matt in Toledo — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:13:03 +0000

Oh, sorry about that Joel. I was replying to the linked article that mentioned the same idea.

By: Joel in Seattle

Joel in Seattle — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:35:37 +0000

Matt:

I agree, that’s why I was only half-serious. Of course he needs to get some time to work things out as a pitcher. A week or two should be more than adequate.

It is interesting, however, that he was considered one of the better hitting pitchers in the league and hits left-handed. Obviously, they’re interested in seeing him succeed as a pitcher, but if there’s some reason he can’t, I’d rather see him try out hitting than end up on the scrap heap.

By: Sean C. in Illinois

Sean C. in Illinois — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:19:33 +0000

T Smith

Thank you.

If there’s one good thing about that contract, it’s this: If there’s one guy who wants to earn that money, it is Dontrelle Willis.

Of course, it’s his moiney to earn and no one else’s. But you know what I mean.

By: Chris in Dallas

Chris in Dallas — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:19:26 +0000

I don’t regret anything about the Florida deal because a) I had nothing to do with it and b) it’s only about 10 weeks into it. A lot can and probably will change. Interesting note from Buster Olney, though (today in an ESPN chat):

“Buster Olney: Manuel — someone in the Tigers’ organization said this recently, in private — soon, Miguel Cabrera must decide whether he wants to have an OK career in the big leagues, or if he cares enough to take care of himself and give himself a chance to be an all-time great. If he doesn’t improve his conditioning, the deal will be viewed as a monumental bust for the Tigers, in the long run.”

By: T Smith

T Smith — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:11:07 +0000

I have no problem with taking D-Train with Cabrera… not sure it went down like the Marlins were forcing us to take him at part of the deal. What I have a problem with is inking D-Train to a fat three year deal before he even won a game for the organization. Not too saavy.

By: T Smith

T Smith — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:08:19 +0000

“…I hole-heartedly believe in this Tigers team….”

Now that’s just downright funny. Classic.

By: Chris in Dallas

Chris in Dallas — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:06:51 +0000

I think Dombrowski pulled the trigger on the Cabrera/Willis deal because the Marlins said “yes, you can have Cabrera, but you HAVE to take this trainwreck as well. Have fun with all that.” Kinda like they did with adding Lowell on to the Beckett deal with Boston. Of course that worked out for Boston, but I digress. Anyway, I imagine that D-Train will get another start no matter what we think. It’s nearly impossible for him to be *that* bad two times in a row.

By: Matt in Toledo

Matt in Toledo — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:03:50 +0000

Dan – That approach (see what I think!) would only be slightly more annoying if we had to sit through a commercial before landing at your site.

As for the idea of re-defining Willis as an outfielder, it’s lunacy. Ankiel wasn’t in the middle of a $27M contract. In fact, The truth is people are way too quick to write pitchers off as finished.

People have done it with Buehrle, Clemens, Contreras, Mussina, just about every pitcher the Cardinals have picked up the last couple years, and countless more.

Willis undoubtedly has some tough times ahead of him as he tries to find some control again. But the way to solve the problem isn’t going to be to put on his batting gloves.

By: Jim in Clio

Jim in Clio — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:55:37 +0000

Willis’ mechanics make it hard for any coach to correct any problems he may have, and without his awkward mechanics I doubt Willis is as successful in previous years. It really is a catch 22 situation and I’m surprised Dombrowski pulled the trigger on the Cabrera/Willis deal with this in mind.

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:46:03 +0000

Should Willis pull a Ankiel?? Check out my thoughts:

http://ordosopinion.blogspot.c.....ailed.html

By: Andre

Andre — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:18:10 +0000

Joel,

no biggie, if anything its too bad he plays for the Cardinals cause i like his story

By: Mike in DC

Mike in DC — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:17:22 +0000

I’m not sure what’s wrong with Dontrelle Willis, but I do know that a performance like last night’s simply can’t happen. Call it mental, physical or all of the above – you can’t throw 60% balls in a baseball game, regardless of the level. It’s not just that he walked more than he got out, it was how he walked them. In most cases they didn’t have a chance to swing (I heard D-Train say he was trying to be too fine at times…). First inning: 13 pitches/11 balls/3 batters/3 runs/1 bomb.

There’s only one solution: run him out there again in 5 days with the shortest leash known to man. And if that doesn’t work, run him out there again. 3 straight appearances where a MLB pitcher can’t throw strikes is a large enough sampling to warrant a demotion/dismissal/departure.

By: Sean C. in Illinois

Sean C. in Illinois — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:13:31 +0000

Joel in Seattle

I’m not retracting my don’t give up on Willis statements, but I would in fact not mind seeing something bold and very strange for the modern game like trying him as a pinch hitter or even giving him a shot in LF. Does he bat left? Isn’t throwing left supposed to confer some advantage in LF? As long as he doesn’t take the job away from our everyday LF Marcus, I mean Carlos, I mean Gary, I mean Clete, I mean Ryan.

Didn’t they (they being the Yankees) give a guy named George a shot in the outfield?

By: Dave BW

Dave BW — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:10:55 +0000

Hey cib! How are you liking our fantastic Metro Detroit utility companies?

By: Joel in Seattle

Joel in Seattle — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:09:43 +0000

Andre:

Yeah, but it’s better to leave it out entirely, because idiots like me forget details like that…