There's really nothing like seeing a guy realize he's not done yet

The title of this post is a quote from Sports Nite - and today it applies perfectly to Dontrelle Willis. The Tigers traded for Willis last year and to say he's a disappointment would be a bit of an understatement. He has been a colossal failure on the mound. He walked everyone, he couldn't find his fast ball. All the critics of the trade snickered as his ERA was 9.38 in 8 games for the Tigers last year. He spent most of last season in the minors working on his delivery, his control, and his head. There are not many, if any, former Cy Young award winners who would take a minor league assignment. And even fewer who would take it seriously. This spring was supposed to be the re-birth of the D-train. He was going back to the care-free, fun loving, crazy windup throwing lefty we have all come to love. And then the pressure seemed to get to him. He was placed on the DL for anxiety (which tops Joel Zumaya's guitar hero injury as the strangest DL trips for a Tigers pitcher I can remember). Once again Willis met the challenge with determination and a smile. He has thrown well at several stops in the minors and tonight is taking the ball for the Tigers against the Twins. If he falls apart again, this may be the end of his career. There are only so many opportunities a guy can have. However, if he can regain his form, his control, and his confidence - there's really nothing like seeing a guy realize he's not done yet. Usually it goes the other way. Here's hoping the D-train gets it back on the tracks.