D-Train Disaster: Red Sox 6, Tigers 3
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 4, 2009 6:45 PM EDT
in News
68 comments
Can the Detroit Tigers just end this charade? Every time Dontrelle Willis takes the mound, it's a crapshoot. (Or a coin flip, as skylineseats so astutely commented in an earlier post today.)
The D-Train started off promisingly, retiring the first six Boston hitters he faced. But it unraveled quickly in the third inning. He hit Jacoby Ellsbury with a pitch after getting ahead of him 0-2, and the disaster was under way. Willis walked Julio Lugo in five pitches. Escape seemed possible after he struck out George Kottaras, but he then walked Dustin Pedroia on four pitches (two of which, to be fair, were borderline strikes). Five pitches later, he walked J.D. Drew. (Again, three of those pitches were close.) Run scores. Finally, Willis walked Kevin Youkilis on another five pitches to bring in another run, and his day was over.
No, he wasn't as wild as he's been in some of his more terrifying efforts. There weren't any pitches two feet outside of the strike zone that sent a catcher lunging for the baseball. As mentioned, several of those balls were right on the edge. (According to MLB Gameday, anyway.) Maybe Jeff Nelson just wasn't the right home plate umpire for him today. And of the five runs Willis was charged with, three of them scored on two hits allowed by Zach Miner.
I'd love to believe that it really wasn't so bad. But come on. It was exactly the sort of inning we live in fear of every time Willis pitches. Five runs, five walks, no hits. Even on the rare occasions he's done well, watching one of his performances is still like watching a horror movie. You know something bad is going to happen, but you just don't know when. And the terror just has you so tensed up that the slightest move or sound will make you jump. That can be fun when you pay for the thrills. But no one bought tickets to see this.
If the Tigers are going to be a playoff contender, Willis cannot remain in their starting rotation. And maybe he shouldn't be on their major league roster, either. Even the Washington Nationals would designate Willis for assignment right now. No other team is dealing with the kind of meltdown he had this afternoon. No one else struggles with that feeling of dread the second that something goes wrong.
Congratulations, Dontrelle. You pitched well enough in the first four years of your career to get a $29 million contract. You benefited from a career-worst decision by a general manager and owner who felt they needed to push their team through an open championship window before it closed. You got to cash in on a 22-win season that took place four years ago. Kudos to you, sir. But this has been a massive failure. Seriously, man - you and the Tigers should be done professionally.
0 recs |
68 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
As harsh at that last paragraph may sound, I agree 100%.
Three words to Dombrowski: Cut. Your. Losses.
by longview on Jun 4, 2009 6:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
D-Train's theme song:
“If you don’t know me by now,
you will never, never, never know e…………….
What a great day at the park and it started off quite well with some runs and the D looking like he was good to go. Not to be! Last time I saw him he was running into the clubhouse. Couldn’t throw a strike to save his life. (literally)
The Tigers looked tired. We had great seats in RF, right in the 2nd row and the only ball to even get close to RF were the balls Cletus threw up to the kids after he and Grandy played catch. It was pathetic. Still fun, though. And Miguel was obviously in pain and raching for his hammy. No magic dust today, and no roses for me. We lost, got swept.
"It's designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything is new again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops, and leaves you to face the fall alone". A. Bartlett Giamatti
by densogirl on Jun 4, 2009 7:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ever since I grew out my nails I cannot spell
That supposed to be “me” at the end of the verse, and Miguel wasn’t raching for his hammy but reaching for it. Nice crowd but little to cheer about.
"It's designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything is new again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops, and leaves you to face the fall alone". A. Bartlett Giamatti
by densogirl on Jun 4, 2009 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate going to the ballpark when we lose...
But I can’t stay away. I am hooked. I was there on the “night of the squirrel” when we got our asses handed to us. Also, I have one of those between inning balls, Densogirl. One from Maggs and Grandy playing catch when I went to the Twins/Tigers game at the beginning of June. I will treasure it always… Maggs tossed it right to me. I thought I was gonna die.
Patty J >> the Detroitchik
by Detroitchik on Jun 4, 2009 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that last line
a Christian Bale rant quote?
by TMadison25 on Jun 4, 2009 7:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And I agree with every word Ian wrote.
Send him to Toledo, cut him loose.
"It's designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything is new again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops, and leaves you to face the fall alone". A. Bartlett Giamatti
by densogirl on Jun 4, 2009 7:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I Disagree....
….however as you all now im a Dontrelle fan…..I think if anyone should be cut loose its Robertson…..the main reason….At least Willis is trying…..You see in Robertsons face everytime he goes out that hes doesnt care about anything….Id rather have my Willis in the pen then a guy thats already given up…..he did as much wit hhis comments in spring training after they told him he was going to the pen.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 4, 2009 7:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
gotta disagree with you there
Fans, and some media, think they can get into a player’s head and heart by watching from a distance or through their television sets.
but you know what? You can’t.
Maybe you’re right about Robertson. Maybe you’re not. We don’t know. We shouldn’t pretend that we do.
by MackAveKurt on Jun 4, 2009 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you, Kurt.
Patty J >> the Detroitchik
by Detroitchik on Jun 4, 2009 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mark Wohlers and Rick Ankiel tried too
but they couldn’t pull their heads together to throw the ball over the plate either.
Dontrelle topped out at 87mph last Friday night in Baltimore, some 6mph lower than just a few years ago when I saw him in RFK.
Just because the guy points with his glove, crazily adjusts his hat, pats the umpire on the butt, etc doesn’t mean he’s more in the game than Robertson. Robertson has pitched decent out of the bullpen. There is absolutely no way I’d bring Willis in relief in a situation where I need an out. At least at this point, I’d consider Robertson.
by Boney on Jun 4, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the difference between Dontrelle and Nate...
is that Dontrelle is still in the starting rotation.
by SkylineSeats on Jun 4, 2009 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We are stil in good shape if.....
…..we can get in the playoffs with JV and Edwin going in games 1 and 2…..we just need a solid 3rd to step up…..That could be Porcello but we will see…..It could be Bonderman….I think that Galaraga may be turning things around a lil bit….That will push Willis to the pen….We do however need to get another bat or need these guys to start hitting or Minnesota will catch us in the end…….GO TIGS
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 4, 2009 7:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well Bennie
I don’t know who’s worse: Willis or Robertson. Maybe he could fit in the pen, but unfortunately we’ve alread got a guy making what 26, 30 millions dollars pitching BP practically. My son just came out and said Boston has a better team. He thought the Tigers didn’t look like they wanted to win. Those are his words, not mine. We have a couple of iffy starting pitchers and our hitting has just disappeared. I don’t know what else to say. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.
"It's designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything is new again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops, and leaves you to face the fall alone". A. Bartlett Giamatti
by densogirl on Jun 4, 2009 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Willis wouldn't be on the postseason roster at this point dude
he can’t even go without losing his cool in a early season game
by Boney on Jun 4, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry Bennie
Your boy Dontrelle… needs to be released from his contractual obligations. The D-Train has D-railed.
Patty J >> the Detroitchik
by Detroitchik on Jun 4, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If You Say So.....
…..He didnt look good today….However he wasent wild…..5 or 6 those pitches could have easily been strikes…..Im always gona defend this guy……hes been one my fav players since I saw him pitching in the Cubs system……So say what ya will…..I think he gets one more start next week….that may be it.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 4, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, if the Tigers have to struggle against a particular division...
It’s probably preferable that it be the East, because we play the fewest games against them. If we continue to dominate the West and do a decent job in the Central, we should be okay. For this series, we didn’t have any offense and the pitching just wasn’t set up right. No Verlander or Jackson. Galarraga was decent and pitched a game that would normally net you a win, but he had the unfortunate luck of being opposed by Josh Beckett.
As for the rotation, I’m still about 95% convinced that Galarraga will lose his spot solely on the basis of him and Bonderman pitching on the same day, and I wish it didn’t have to be that way. For as much as everyone here complains about him, his last two starts have not been bad, and he’s certainly pitched better than Dontrelle.
http://tigersamateuranalysis.blogspot.com
by SabreRoseTiger on Jun 4, 2009 9:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully
when Bonderman returns, it will be Willis and not Galarraga. But you are probably right.
Patty J >> the Detroitchik
by Detroitchik on Jun 4, 2009 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I waited all day
I work during the day like most. But when I found out FSN was doing a replay tonight I made sure to stay away from the internet and let all my co-workers know to keep things hush hush. I was hoping to come home and see us take at least 1 game to avoid the sweep. I was so excited when I watched the first part of the game, I was thinking "yeah, this is great. And then it started. Willis is an fn loser. The Tigers are never going to get their dollars worth from him. I was sick to my stomach when he forced a guy home on a freakin walk and then he did it again. I wanted to throw up. I wish they would just release him from his contract and move on. Enough is enough. How many chances to we give this guy? I hope when Bondo returns Willis will get his walking papers. Confidence building time is over…let him walk, God knows he let enough opposing batters do it today.
Patty J >> the Detroitchik
by Detroitchik on Jun 4, 2009 9:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It Was not good.....
……but he wasent wild……5 or 6 those pitches oculd have easily neem strikes…..Its sad when the unps arent consistent on the zone…..Im not saying he was awesome just saying that he was squeezed on half a dozen pitches…….That makes a diference for the sox hitters when it could easily be 1 and 1 instrad of 2 and 0…..really sucks…..Willis will get one more start next week……Gope he pitches well…..Not holding my breath…..But Dontrelles my boy
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 4, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right
And with the end of the Tiger’s rotation in the shape it is, perhaps he deserves one more start. Not based on his past performances, but on his team’s situation. I respect your admiration of one of your favorite players, but the unfortunate reality is that a player’s effort only carries him so far in this game. If you are not producing, that’s the end of the story. Look at Manny. He has not given an “effort” since about 2004. But he gets the job done and so the LA fans could care less. On the flip side is Dontrelle, who clearly has put his heart and soul into a comeback now for about a year.
by SkylineSeats on Jun 4, 2009 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let it go...
Bennie, I know you love the guy, but let it go man. Dontrelle is done, he’s been absolutely awful this year in all but one start, and he was awful in every start last year. I want him to turn it around as much as anyone else, but he is terrible. The sooner the Tigers realize that and put Bonderman in his spot, the better off the team will be. And he shouldn’t go in the bullpen either, the last thing we need is someone who can come in and walk the first two guys he faces. This experiment was worth a try I suppose, but it has failed miserably, and it’s time to move on.
by TigersTyler on Jun 5, 2009 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It really didn't matter
He allowed soooo many unearned runs, maybe it would have been better if HE was wild. Then there would be a reason behind what he allowed to happen. Days are numbered for him here…
Patty J >> the Detroitchik
by Detroitchik on Jun 5, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can we trade Willis...
…for this prospect?
Can’t be any worse, can it?
by Tagne13 on Jun 4, 2009 11:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dontrelle's a ball of energy and was fun as hell to watch when he was successful
but the Dontrelle of now (ball of energy and TRYING) doesn’t translate to W’s unfortunately. What got it done for him in the past was NAST stuff, confidence, mixed with a wacky windup. He doesn’t have any of that except for the wacky windup. The fact that you’re defending the guy based on him being your boy, he’s TRYING, and the pitches on some of his walks were close is grasping at straws, buddy. The dude’s done.
by Detroit4lyfe on Jun 5, 2009 12:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm....
After leaving work in Indianapolis, knowing the Tigers lost….driving straight to the GR with the lady friend and the dog, then drinking some Arcadia IPA, and THEN reading BBF’s attempts to temper his previous enthusiasm in what can barely be described as the English language, I have come to the conclusion that he is a 7 year old girl that is infatuated with the D Train for reasons that are not very clear…..even to him.
"Remember there's a big difference between kneeling down and bending over."
by Zappatista on Jun 5, 2009 12:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WOW
that’s brutally Honest…I admire that…
Patty J >> the Detroitchik
by Detroitchik on Jun 5, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ya, it's for my own amusement at this point.
"Remember there's a big difference between kneeling down and bending over."
by Zappatista on Jun 5, 2009 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But
I am equally amused… so it’s all good
Patty J >> the Detroitchik
by Detroitchik on Jun 5, 2009 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look buddy
We’re not all bloggers or Eng. lit majors or even college students…me included. If I have to be concerned about a misspelled word or tense of a verb, I guess I’ll have to go somewhere else too.
"It's designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything is new again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops, and leaves you to face the fall alone". A. Bartlett Giamatti
by densogirl on Jun 5, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe that's why the Tigers are losing
They’re too concerned with their hat being on straight and their pockets inside their pants!
"It's designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything is new again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops, and leaves you to face the fall alone". A. Bartlett Giamatti
by densogirl on Jun 5, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whatever Dude.....
……..The fact that im a fan or a player doesnt give you the right to talk bs……For you to come on here and post something that is so untrue is unfair and wrong…..Go to another blog……And dont be upset that you dont have all the TIGERS players trading cards……You can still get em man.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 5, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMAOOOOOO
Awesome where the hell did you find that. I said earlier the D-train got D-railed… toooo funny
Patty J >> the Detroitchik
by Detroitchik on Jun 5, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Willis, Galaraga
Best Willis can hope for now is going to the Mudhens to try to work it out. Possibly a lot of running and other conditioning can help him if it’s the jitters. Maybe he needs to focus better on the target. Catchers need to get set so the pitcher has a target – have seen a lot of catchers who are moving all over the place. For a catcher to get set too early tells the other team a lot, however the pitcher has to have a good target.
Appears obvious the last month that Galaraga has a shoulder injury or something. Also Green or whoever of the Red Sox charged Galaraga on the baseline incident, and that should have been appealed more vigorously.
by gopher03 on Jun 5, 2009 1:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wish...
… I could say you were being too harsh Ian. I really do, because I really wish things would’ve worked out better for Dontrelle here in Detroit. **** was I psyched when we got him. But you were on the right money sir; this has been a $29M debacle and it’s about time they sever ties for the good of everybody.
by BigDaddyJC on Jun 5, 2009 9:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ok Everyone.....
…..I will stop saying anything about Dontrelle or any other players since everyone seems to want me to…..I guess im suprised that people are so quick to say bad things about someone for a long stretch of time….ive said my bad things about players on here….But I let it go…..So he has struggled…..Ive said that as well…..I havent said that I think he stil deserves to be in the rotation……I think he only gets one more start becasue of 5 games in 4 days in chicago….After that he goes to the bullpen or maybe aaa or maybe released…..but personal attacks because I root for a guy is just plain wrong……So ill just keep my opinions to myself on players from now on and just comment on certain plays that happen during the game.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 5, 2009 10:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No Way These 3 Pitchers.....
…..will be on postseason roster
Willis
Miner
Robertson
No way
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 5, 2009 10:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
LMAO....
Geez, tough love. Bennie receives similar responses over at Pride of Detroit-Lions blog. Everyone is frustrated we know, but BYB is way more civil than the SI and mlive blogs. We all have opinions and our favorite players. I admire the resilience, and see nothing wrong with sticking up for your favorite player.
Example: I could not stand it when people were wearing the chef hats at the ball park, but I would keep my opinion to myself(until now, sorry if I offended).
Well…Peace, Happy Friday, and cheers to the Tiger’s starting a new series albeit against the Angels of Doom…
by Dan Gurney on Jun 5, 2009 12:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I know It.....
….I cant get no love……lol
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 5, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I don't necessarily share your sentiments about Dontrelle...
I can certainly appreciate your willingness to stand by your favorite player, and I’m not going to make fun of that. There are a few players who have either struggled or otherwise fallen out of favor with the crowd around here (at least at some point), and yet I am still extremely fond of them, and it would take something unimaginable to make me change my mind. Now, I don’t have anything against Willis as a person, and I would love to see him bounce back, but the Tigers can only wait so long for it to happen, and he’s running out of time and chances.
On a somewhat lighter note, I’m a bit disappointed that the meltdown happened before Interleague play resumed, cuz I was kinda looking forward to watching Dontrelle hit.
http://tigersamateuranalysis.blogspot.com
by SabreRoseTiger on Jun 5, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He may Be Able To Pinch Hit
Hes not my fav player…..Im just a huge fan
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 5, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we're this frustrated and touchy
imagine how much fun it must be in the clubhouse.
by NCDee on Jun 5, 2009 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ian, I think what we need is a
therapy thread.
Hi. My name is Wendy, and I’m sick of losing. I would like to run over the rally squirrel and then hang it from the foul pole.
Whew, I’m glad I got that off my chest.
by wepri31 on Jun 5, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Go ahead and try
Chet Lemon for the HOF
by YakAttack on Jun 5, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to completely change the subject
But has anyone seen an update on Miggy’s status?
Also, hang in there Bennie … first of all, you get props for being a Bennie Blades fan and secondly you love your teams which is good enough for me. Don’t shy away from sharing your opinions man!
by tigerfaninChicago on Jun 5, 2009 1:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Have not Heard
Anything New On Migy
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 5, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Today's game notes...
Don’t have him listed as going on the DL or anything. Let’s hope that no news is good news.
http://tigersamateuranalysis.blogspot.com
by SabreRoseTiger on Jun 5, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Feel Like Jerry Maguire....
…..With his mission statement……im just sick of the is not hitting…..Its getting to me…..We need to start hitting…..Quickly……Maybe Dontrelle can Be A DH…..I think hes like a .250 hitter……Ok so lets just get a win tonight.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 5, 2009 1:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why, whatever do you mean?
Chet Lemon for the HOF
by YakAttack on Jun 5, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rally Squirrel My @ZZ!!
THAT WAS A DEATH SQUIRREL!!!
I will be at the game on Sunday, think people would be mad if I threw a roadkill squirrel on the field (well besides my wife)
by Bigreg1544 on Jun 5, 2009 2:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not if you
grabbed it by the tail and whirled it around like Al Sobotka would with an octopus
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 5, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what will happen is he will be released and than return back to form some where else.
by Swaggerjacker on Jun 5, 2009 6:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
