At his height, Dontrelle Willis was one of the best players in baseball. This came at a time that was much different than today. The New York Yankees were consistent World Series contenders. The Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants, in the Bay Area, were irrelevant on the national stage.
The problem is that was back in 2005.
Shortly after finishing second in the National League Cy Young voting back in 2005, Willis’ control caused a major drop in production. He led the majors in batters hit the following season with 19 while still remaining somewhat effective. Willis then saw his ERA skyrocket to five-plus the following season before he was traded with Miguel Cabrera from the then Florida Marlins to the Detroit Tigers.
In Detroit, Willis won two games in three seasons and boasted an ERA near seven during that span. He struck out 68 and walked 92 in 101 innings with the Tigers before they sent him packing.
Willis made short appearances with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds in 2010 and 2011 before falling completely off the map due to those control issues.
Now 32, Willis has been added to the Fresno Grizzlies active roster, who are the San Francisco Giants Triple-A affiliate.
Once as dominating as any young pitcher in the game, let’s see if Willis has taken control of his quirky mechanics and maintained control from the mound. If so, it would be an amazing story.
Photo: CBS Sports