Willis Set to Take on Texas
By Blake VandeBunte • Sep 15th, 2008 • Category: 2008 season, Dontrelle Willis
I’m going to chose to be optimistic. I’m going to block out all negative thoughts and energy and project nothing but positivity, here it goes:
Tonight is a big start for Dontrelle Willis. It’s just as big for the Detroit Tigers. Obviously a win tonight by Willis doesn’t mean a whole lot in the standings. A win tonight would move the Tigers to 71-78. Big freakin’ deal, right? However, it would mean a lot to Dontrelle Willis and could be a very positive step forward next season.
Willis made six starts in Toledo as he worked to get back to the majors. In those starts he compiled a record of 3-1 and had an ERA of 4.45. Not great, but certainly much better than during his time with the Tigers. In his 28.1 innings of work he struck out 20 batters and walked 14. Again, less than great, but much better than he was in the spring with the Tigers.
I hope for the best here. As far as I can tell Dontrelle Willis is a terrific guy who wants to do nothing more than play well and earn his paycheck. Hopefully tonight he can get off on the right foot and pitch a decent game to get some positive energy heading into next season.
I said I won’t say anything even hinting at negative, but I agree 100% with what Rob Neyer had to say about it, so I’ll leave it to him:
Look, the Tigers should know a lot more about Dontrelle Willis than I do. But I think they’re taking a big risk. They’ve got $29 million invested in the guy, and if he gets embarrassed again tonight it might be just a little bit harder to eventually recoup that investment. As I’m watching, I’ll be hoping for the best. But fearing the worst.
Blake VandeBunte is a posting fiend.
Email this author | All posts by Blake VandeBunte