Some guys never get a shot at the big leagues. Or if they do, it’s far too short a shot and they are overlooked for the rest of their careers, exiled to Triple-A or worse. You gotta make the best of that shot. You may never get another one.
Unless you’re Dontrelle Willis, of course, in which case you seemingly get a couple dozen shots and will until you just don’t fell like trying anymore:
I heard Dontrelle Willis will be signing a minor-league contract with the #sfgiants
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) January 10, 2014
Willis was last signed by the Angels. That went nowhere. Before that he was with the the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League. The Cubs signed and released him after he threw seven pitches for them. Before that he was retired. Before that he was with the Orioles where he stunk and where he got into all sorts of arguments and controversies with the team. The Phillies released him before that. Before that he was with the Reds, who gave him his last chance to pitch in the big leagues. That was 2011, when he posted a 5.00 ERA in 73.2 innings over 13 starts.
He’s had two really good seasons. One of them was nearly 11 years ago, the other nine. He had one more useful season for the Marlins after that. Since he left Florida following the 2007 season he’s 4-15 with a 6.15 ERA while walking 7.1 hitters per nine and allowing 9.3 hits per nine. And again, he hasn’t even gotten a significant MINOR league look since 2011.
I know he’s a lefty and lefties are supposed to live forever, and by all accounts he’s a great guy to have around (at least if you don’t ask the Orioles). But there has been nothing — literally nothing — positive to be seen in his pitching in a decade. No indication whatsoever that he can help a ball club. How does he still get chances when so many other pitchers don’t?
Probably like this:
Dontrelle Willis turns 32 Sunday. In prime years. If he's in good shape and figured out control issues, he could be great story. #sfgiants
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) January 10, 2014
A nice thought. But people have been having that same thought for years. It never pans out.