marlins starter

[loophole]

Scouting the Minors: Willis may get his chance with Marlins

By Kevin Wheeler - Sporting News



PROSPECT OF THE WEEK

Dontrelle Willis, LHP, Marlins (Class AA)

With the Marlins losing starting pitchers left and right -- A.J. Burnett (Tommy John surgery) is out 12-18 months, Mark Redman (broken thumb) is out a month or more and now Josh Beckett (elbow) has to pay a visit to Dr. James Andrews -- Willis could be arriving much earlier than projected.


The 20-year-old is off to a fantastic start at Class AA (4-0, 1.49 ERA, 36 1/3 IP, 24 hits, 9 walks, 32 strikeouts in six starts) despite making just five appearances at Class A last season. With that kind of showing, it's easy to see why the rumor mill is starting to churn.

Willis has a low 90s fastball with good movement, a changeup and a solid breaking pitch. More important than his raw stuff is his control and pitching aptitude. He also has a deceptive delivery, which could allow him to have some initial success once promoted to the big leagues.

At the very least, Willis should be bumped up to Class AAA in the near future. With the Marlins floundering (sorry for the bad fish pun), they may give Willis a shot.

 

[DJTranks]

this play is good for a OVER

 

[Franky Wright]

Hmmmm....
What you think Mr. Loophole?
Couple schools of thought.
1) they have never seen this kids stuff, article says a different type of delivery, seems to have the fundamentals= A good pitching performance= Under and/or Marlins
2) Kid is nervous as hell, walks a couple, tries to do it all himself, serves up a couple of gopher balls= Over and Rockies

Coming from AAA is one thing, that quick from A ball is another.
Would like your thoughts on this one.
Thx

 

[mack the knife]

he's playing single A ball according to the local press, carolina mudhens or whatever. But he is dominant there. He's got talent, but is very young. Would not likely see action for another year or two if it weren't for the injuries to pitchers all the way down the organization.

Marlins offense is not working w/injuries there too....taking the under....

 

[loophole]

i'm thinking under also, but not done w/ the game yet.

 

[GOAT]

HI Loop Got to say thanks no time to do the work, If i get time i read your things. Nice job . I Now oue you a drink at that bar in vegas well any bay in Vegas. Plas a BIG WINNER IN MAC. Thanks Loop . Live is good. See you in VEGAS.

 

[loophole]

thanks, you ol' goat. you're on for that drink in vegas.

 

[Franky Wright]

Checked into this further. Willis is a top prospect, but most thought he would stay at double A this year. As you noted above he's making the jump after only six starts at AA. My guess is that he could either have immediate success for his first three of four starts based on raw ability, or he could flop immediately because he's not ready. The odds are probably better for the latter, considering his lack of experience. Colorado should be a pretty tough first time matchup. Catcher Charles Johnson should slow down Florida's running game a little. I'm not familiar with Oliver's ability to hold runners, but he is a lefty, so I presume that he's above average. I think the Rockies will jump on Willis, and Oliver isn't good, so he'll be giving up a few runs also.
Really like the over here now and the Rockies.
Am interested in your take on this