I want to send my best wishes to former Marlins pitcher and current Detroit Tiger Dontrelle Willis. The Tigers placed Willis on the team's 15-day disabled list for an anxiety disorder. His career hasn't been the same since winning 20 games for the Marlins in 2005. It seemed like just yesterday the Marlins called up a fresh-faced lefty from Double-A with a high-leg kick and huge smile. Willis along with Miguel Cabrera were a pair of rookies who energized the Marlins in 2003 and played huge roles in the team's World Series championship.
Willis has always been one of my personal favorite players to wear the Marlins uniform. He's a class act and type of player everyone should root for. But since 2005, there's been very little success for Willis. I can't think of too many athletes who burst upon the scene so quickly and disappeared just as quickly. Injuries and health problems have plagued Willis since his departure from South Florida. After giving up 8 runs and 5 walks in his Tigers debut in 2008, Willis was demoted to Single-A Lakeland where he spent most of the season. He was called back up by the Tigers last September, but went winless in three starts.
At only 27 year-old, Willis should be entering the prime years of his career. But it's becoming more apparent his best days may be behind him. Hopefully it isn't too late to turn it around. Keep your chin up D-Train. Get well soon.
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