Odds and Sods

The Tigers signed recently acquired pitcher Dontrelle Willis to a three-extension which could potentially be worth over $30 million.  Why?

Willis, 25, was once one of the brightest young stars in baseball.  The emphasis should be placed on the “was.”

Here are Willis’ numbers the past three seasons

2005 - 22-10, 236.1 IP, 11 HR, 170K, 55BB, 2.63 ERA, 1.13 WHIP

2006 - 12-12, 223.1 IP, 21 HR, 160K, 83BB, 3.87 ERA, 1.42 WHIP

2007 - 10-15, 205.1 IP, 29HR, 146K, 87BB, 5.17 ERA, 1.60 WHIP

In three seasons, Willis went from one of the best starters in baseball to one of the worst.  He has declined markedly in every major statistical category.  He was quite honestly more valuable as a hitter last season, posting a .856 OPS in 63 AB.

It could be that Willis was disillusioned playing for a losing ball club and that moving to a winning and passionate environment in Detroit could revitalize him.  However, it is far more likely that there is a tangible reason behind his decline.

Moving to the American League, with the DH, more potent lineups and smaller ballparks, one shouldn’t feel very confident that Willis’ numbers are going to improve.

He was already under contract through 2009.  He doesn’t really have a leg to stand on for arbitration with the atrocious season he had last year.  Why sign him to a big money extension to lock him up for one more year before even seeing him pitch?