Cubs reportedly sign Dontrelle Willis – MLB News
Reports are trickling in that the Chicago Cubs have signed Dontrelle Willis in a Minor League deal. If confirmed, this is a big news considering the fact that the pitcher had voluntarily announced retirement on July 02, 2012.
Fans recall the first signing of this player back in 2000 when he was selected in the eighth round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft. As things moved on, the club decided to include him in a trade to the Miami Marlins in 2002. He was traded in for Matt Clement and Antonio Alfonseca.
However, a long journey awaited this pitcher. The ups and downs that he witnessed in the MLB career saw one of its ascending periods in 2005 when he finished second in National League Cy Young Award balloting.
That was the year when he won no less than 22 years. That which first won him critical acclaim was his being with the Miami Marlins when the club won the World Series title in 2003. That was the year when he also won the National League Rookie of the Year award.
The pitcher, that year, had an impressive record of 14-6 with 3.30 ERA. The first few years – like mentioned earlier, was that of success for the budding pitcher. The fledgling career, therefore, continued to see its rise.
However, the vicissitudes would, at some point in time, affect his career. And they eventually did.
When he was dealt to the Detroit Tigers in December 2007, the pitcher could only manage to win four games out of the 40 fixtures that he got. That was not only incredible but shocking for someone who seemed to have a rather impressive beginning.
Having only managed to win four games, the pitcher had to work harder to retain his place. However, things did not go his way. In 2012, the pitcher made his appearance in Minor League wherein he played for Triple-A Norfolk.
Dispute ensued whose nature was not known. As problems festered, whose content was never made public, Willis was then to announce his retirement.
However, he has once again been signed for the Minor League. Thus the long career which began with the Cubs will now see its culmination with the same club. For now he will be part of the Minor League.
As things move, fans will see whether or not the pitcher gets an invitation for the Spring Training.
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