1. 12-13-11 12:31 PM #1
    Bcatswin
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    The D-Train to the Phillies

    The Philadelphia Phillies made a big name signing. However, it isn't likely to thrill Phillies fans. The team reached a one year deal with Dontrelle Willis. Once upon a time, Willis was regarded as one of the top young pitchers in baseball. In 2005, Willis won 22 games and finished second in the Cy Young voting. However, his career has been on the downslope since then. As a Phillies fan, I know the team isn't getting the same pitcher that was that good in 2005. However, I think Willis could wind up being a steal for this team.

    What is interesting about the Willis signing is that the Phillies will ask him to come out of the bullpen. Throughout his career, Willis has been a starter and only made a couple of relief appearances. That said, this could be the perfect role for him. The Phillies needed a left handed arm coming out of the bullpen and they could wind up with a good one here. In addition, they have a guy that could become a slot starter if needed. That is not a bad thing to have for a bargain price.

    Can Willis find success in the bullpen? That remains to be seen. He has really been shaky since that memorable 2005 season. He made 13 starts for the Cincinnati Reds in 2011 and went 1-6 with a 5.00 ERA. Those aren't exactly inspiring numbers. However, the Phillies aren't going to rely on Willis to be a starter. In becoming a relief pitcher, Willis will take on an entirely new role with the team. I think there is high potential for him in this role. The change of pace could help him find his stride again. In addition, Willis is excellent against lefties. If nothing else, the Phillies can bring him in spot situations.

    Overall, I think this is a nice move for the club. As long as Willis is committed to his new role, he will be successful. If it doesn't work, the Phillies aren't really losing a whole lot. Ruben Amaro knew the team needed to make adjustments in the bullpen. This move certainly addresses that need. Willis will turn 30 before the season starts. He should still have enough in the tank to take advantage of this opportunity.

    Guy can rake!!!!!
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  2. 12-13-11 12:33 PM #2
    DrStale
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    http://deadspin.com/5867604/phillies...om-ruben-amaro
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  3. 12-13-11 12:35 PM #3
    Big Bear
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    oh shit the D- Train going to philly! Best pitching staff ever??? i think so
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  4. 12-13-11 12:50 PM #4
    Doc JS
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    They didn't lose last year because they couldn't pitch...they lost because they couldn't score.
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  5. 12-13-11 12:54 PM #5
    bobbyfk
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    Nice pick up but he's a bit of a headcase so we shall see how this plays out
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  6. 12-13-11 12:57 PM #6
    DrStale
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    Quote Originally Posted by Big Bear View Post
    oh shit the D- Train going to philly! Best pitching staff ever??? i think so
    LOL at Philly fans thinking they signed the 2005 Dontrelle Willis for some reason.
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  7. 12-13-11 01:07 PM #7
    teaserpleaser
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    Quote Originally Posted by Big Bear View Post
    oh shit the D- Train going to philly! Best pitching staff ever??? i think so
    Weaver,haren, santana,wilson said hello
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  8. 12-13-11 01:08 PM #8
    Big Bear
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    I was jk. Although you never know D-Train might get his form back. He looked decent at times last season.
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  9. 12-13-11 01:09 PM #9
    Bcatswin
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    bobby he was a great guy here in Cincy last year in the club house and off the field everyone loved him. Now that he is a little older and got another chance last year maybe he is a better person.

    Dr. his numbers from last year really dont indicate the job he really did. Reds gave him no support and he was shutdown against Lefties facing 55 striking out 22 i think and only allowing 2 walks with a low batting avg against. Could be a good spot guy out of the bullpen, good long reliever and hell even a pinch hitter.
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  10. 12-13-11 01:11 PM #10
    Big Bear
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    Halladay, Lee, Worley, Hamels, Oswalt that is a pretty good group. Maybe throw D-Train in the bullpen or use him as a spot starter.


    Who knows how Papelbon will fit in though. He seems to have lost some juice on his fastball. Philies had the team last year but just got cold at the wrong time.
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  11. 12-13-11 01:12 PM #11
    crustyme
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    had they signed him for $500, they'd be paying too much.

    hes contracted the steve blass disease for which there is no known cure.
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  12. 12-13-11 01:20 PM #12
    Brock Landers
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    the guy hasn't been worth a shit in years
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  13. 12-13-11 01:55 PM #13
    ehp6737
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    Quote Originally Posted by Doc JS View Post
    They didn't lose last year because they couldn't pitch...they lost because they couldn't score.
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  14. 12-13-11 01:58 PM #14
    ehp6737
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    Quote Originally Posted by Big Bear View Post
    Halladay, Lee, Worley, Hamels, Oswalt that is a pretty good group. Maybe throw D-Train in the bullpen or use him as a spot starter.


    Who knows how Papelbon will fit in though. He seems to have lost some juice on his fastball. Philies had the team last year but just got cold at the wrong time.
    Oswalt was released/not re-signed a while back. He wont be back with the Phils. And there's a good chance Hamels will be traded as there's no way we can afford the $20-25 mil p/year he'll be commanding when he's a FA next year. I wish we would have re-signed Madson and kept him as the closer. Papelbon scares me. I think he's definitely in decline, where as Madson was really starting to develop and has tons of upside.
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  15. 12-13-11 02:04 PM #15
    Bcatswin
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    They said there was no way they were going to let go of Hamels. ^
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  16. 12-13-11 02:07 PM #16
    Dirty Sanchez
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    Latest picture of Dontrelle Willis

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  17. 12-13-11 02:16 PM #17
    paco
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    Better hope he takes his Xanax bottles with him.
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  18. 12-13-11 02:27 PM #18
    Bcatswin
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    Why does everyone hate this guy?
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  19. 12-13-11 02:32 PM #19
    Fieldysnuts44
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brock Landers View Post
    the guy hasn't been worth a shit in years
    I agree with Landers,hopefully they didnt pay to much.He might be worth the risk as a spot reliever,dont think much other value than that.
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  20. 12-13-11 02:32 PM #20
    Dirty Sanchez
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bcatswin View Post
    Why does everyone hate this guy?

    I'll go out on a limb here....uh...because he sucks?
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  21. 12-13-11 02:34 PM #21
    Bcatswin
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    So do you hate jj, he loves to suck?
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  22. 12-13-11 02:35 PM #22
    Fieldysnuts44
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bcatswin View Post
    Why does everyone hate this guy?
    Dont think anyone hates the guy,just being realistic.The guy hasnt been the same since 2005.
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  23. 12-13-11 02:37 PM #23
    Dirty Sanchez
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bcatswin View Post
    So do you hate jj, he loves to suck?
    I don't "hate" anyone.....I save the word "hate" for homelessness, child abuse, etc.
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  24. 12-13-11 02:40 PM #24
    Bcatswin
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dirty Sanchez View Post
    I don't "hate" anyone.....I save the word "hate" for homelessness, child abuse, etc.
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  25. 12-13-11 03:35 PM #25
    SASH
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    dontrell willis stinks. Heres how it went last year for him....his first 4 innings or so would be relatively solid, then around the 4th/5th inning he would absolutely implode and give up some large crooked numbers. Good luck philly youll need it
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  26. 12-13-11 03:39 PM #26
    dlunc3
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    Quote Originally Posted by teaserpleaser View Post
    Weaver,haren, santana,wilson said hello
    lol this group doesnt even compare to the phills
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  27. 12-13-11 04:21 PM #27
    sweep
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    Philly fans will crush this guy his first fukk up....He'll be going down broad street in a meat wagon the first time he blows a lead outa tha pen
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  28. 12-15-11 01:53 AM #28
    LovetoSpooge
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    Phillies need to focus more on getting an offence that doesn't tank in the post season. That sack of shit Howard has done it B2B now.
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  29. 12-15-11 01:55 AM #29
    rm18
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    He is probably the 2nd best hitter on that sorry ass team
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