D-Train Comes Off The Track For The Final Time

Dontrelle Willis has officially retired.  The pitcher with the funky wind-up, otherwise known as D-Train closes the book on his career.  Dontrelle's best days came as a member of the Florida/Miami Marlins early on in the major leagues.  He had some great years for that franchise.  He has a 22-win season to his credit, as well as a ROY award, plus two All-Star selections.  He also was on the Marlins team that won the 2003 World Series.  Willis most recently pitched for the Triple-A affiliate of the Orioles, Norfolk.  It was a good career, spanning nine MLB seasons.  Best of luck to Dontrelle in his future endeavors.

Dontrelle Willis' Grievance With Orioles

The situation between pitcher Dontrelle Willis and the Baltimore Orioles started out innocently enough.  The pitcher was signed to a minor league contract and was to report to Triple-A.  Willis' signing was looked at by Orioles brass as adding a left hander to pitch out of the bullpen and function as a lefty specialist.  Apparently, Willis and his agent had other ideas.

Reported on MLBTradeRumors, Willis was placed on the restricted list by the Orioles, which eliminates his option to sign with another team.  If he does, the Orioles can receive something in return.  The reason for this, according to the GM, Dan Duquette, was that Willis had left Norfolk (Triple-A affiliate) without permission.

In an article written by Jerry Crasnick on ESPN.com, it was stated that Willis' agent, Matt Sosnick, said the following:

"Willis received permission from Tripp Norton, Baltimore's director of baseball administration, before leaving the Norfolk Tides last Wednesday."

It all just comes back to a disagreement over how Willis would be used by the Orioles when he came up from the minors.   This has become quite a messy situation with both parties.  It seems that Willis just sees himself as a starter and wanted a chance to have that opportunity, even if that meant signing on with another franchise.  I am not here to assess right or wrong, but I see the best course of action at this point is for both parties to end the relationship.  It's a shame because I think Willis definitely would have extended his career being a lefty out of the pen.

I will keep you all posted if any other updates come out.