Tigers inquiring about Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis

Tigers inquiring about Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis


November 9, 2007
By JON PAUL MOROSI
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

After Scott Boras informed the Tigers this week that free agent Kenny Rogers would consider offers from other teams, president/general manager Dave Dombrowski acknowledged that Detroit had no choice but to pursue different options.

And the Tigers wasted no time in doing so.

Detroit inquired about the availability of Florida Marlins ace Dontrelle Willis this week, according to one National League executive with knowledge of those discussions.

This is not the first time the Tigers have asked about Willis. They considered trading for him during the 2005-06 off-season but instead signed Rogers to satisfy their need for an established starter.

Detroit would encounter numerous obstacles in any attempt to acquire Willis.

First, the Tigers would need to assemble the most compelling package of young talent among potential suitors. Their ability to do that has been compromised by the trade of prospects Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez to Atlanta for shortstop Edgar Renteria.

There is also the question of Florida’s willingness to move Willis. If the Marlins are able to acquire premium talent by trading third baseman Miguel Cabrera — as they appear inclined to do — they may elect to keep Willis.

In general, there is no great urgency for Florida to trade Willis.

The reasons for Detroit’s interest are obvious. He is a two-time All-Star who won the 2005 National League Cy Young Award. While he had a career-high 5.17 ERA this past season, Willis led the league with 35 starts and threw 200 or more innings for a third straight year.

Willis, like Rogers, is a left-handed pitcher and would benefit from the vast dimensions at Comerica Park. Willis also would fit well into Detroit’s payroll structure for 2008. He is eligible for salary arbitration and is likely to earn between $7 million and $8 million. Rogers earned $8 million in 2007.

Willis, 25, is scheduled to enter free agency after the 2009 season.

Close to signing closer: The Tigers are expected to intensify negotiations with free-agent closer Todd Jones in the coming days, and it’s very possible that an agreement will be in place by next weekend.

“David and I have a great relationship,” Jones said via text message Friday, in reference to Dombrowski. “I look forward to hearing what he’s got to say this week.

“I’ve done a good job for him. It’s been a good (match) for the both of us. I look for both sides to sit down and (find) out if there is common ground.”

Jones’ last contract included an average annual value of $5.5 million. His next deal should be in a similar range.

I would love to get Willis, but at what price? It would have to be another minor league starter, Vasquez, Tata, Trahern, etc. plus another prospect. Larrish?

They better not.... ... I can't even say it....

They have to keep Miller and Tata. Cuz we will either have one :'( SoulRat, or I will have one very very very mad friend!!!

SoulRat wrote:

They better not.... ... I can't even say it....

You are going to HATE this, but I think they will have to include your boyfriend if they want Willis....

Wish they could somehow include Lo's boyfriend and get Cabrera too!!

I would even throw in Maybin......

Don't say it... don't even THINK it!!

But you KNOW the Marlins are ASKING for him.....

So is EVERYBODY the Tigers talk to about trades. face it, your boy stands head and shoulders above the rest....literally!!

Willis peed on a sidewalk last winter.....

tigersaint wrote:

But you KNOW the Marlins are ASKING for him.....

So is EVERYBODY the Tigers talk to about trades. face it, your boy stands head and shoulders above the rest....literally!!

I know NOTHING!! omg shut UP!!!

He IS VERY popular. You aren't the ONLY one that wants him.....

tigersaint wrote:

Willis peed on a sidewalk last winter.....

Yes he did...

tigersaint wrote:

He IS VERY popular. You aren't the ONLY one that wants him.....

LA LA LA LA LA I DON'T HEAR YOU LA LA LA LA

SoulRat wrote:

tigersaint wrote:

He IS VERY popular. You aren't the ONLY one that wants him.....

LA LA LA LA LA I DON'T HEAR YOU LA LA LA LA

Can you hear me NOW??

tigersaint wrote:

SoulRat wrote:

tigersaint wrote:

He IS VERY popular. You aren't the ONLY one that wants him.....

LA LA LA LA LA I DON'T HEAR YOU LA LA LA LA

Can you hear me NOW??

LOL

NOPE

LALALALALA

SoulRat wrote:

NOPE

LALALALALA

How bout NOW??

NO!

LALALALALALALALAAL!!!

I hear you loud and clear, saint! She must be deaf. Probably blind with anosmia, too!

catbox_9 wrote:

I hear you loud and clear, saint! She must be deaf. Probably blind with anosmia, too!

Blind with something...

What about the anosmia?

I don't even know what the hell that is! I was thinking something else....

Anosmia = inability to smell.

I smell fish.....

catbox_9 wrote:

Anosmia = inability to smell.

What the hell has THAT got to do with my hearing??

tigersaint wrote:

I smell fish.....

ewwww

SoulRat wrote:

catbox_9 wrote:

Anosmia = inability to smell.

What the hell has THAT got to do with my hearing??

I don't know. I was trying to teach you a new word. Everyone knows about blind/deaf/mute, but what about anosmia?

What??

What?

catbox_9 wrote:

SoulRat wrote:

catbox_9 wrote:

Anosmia = inability to smell.

What the hell has THAT got to do with my hearing??

I don't know. I was trying to teach you a new word. Everyone knows about blind/deaf/mute, but wheat about anosmia?

I see... okay I learned... I need a drink... got me all worried