Dontrelle Willis?

Question

If Willis' rehab/reconstruction in A ball doesn't go well, do you think there's a chance he could become a hitter a la Rick Ankiel? He's proven to be a decent MLB hitter w/o having ANY hitting experience in the minors. He also runs very well for a pitcher. He might be able to become a good 4th or 5th outfielder. I'm not saying they should give up on him as a pitcher yet, but do you think it is a possibillity for 2009 or 2010?

Answer 1

I don't really think that is possible for that is a very rare thing for Ankiel to become such a great outfielder

However, I'm all for it

I believe that Willis could be a first basemen

He's huge!

Answer 2

Dontrelle Willis hasn't been right since the trade from the Marlins. I think the difference is Ankiel was out of chances...he couldn't find the strike zone and he wasn't doing it in the minor leagues. When Willis actually gets completely healthy and works on his mechanical flaws (covering up the injury) he'll be at least decent!

Answer 3

I suppose anything is possible. But he has all the tools to be a great pitcher, I doubt he will give up on it easily.

Answer 4

Nope, it takes years for a pitcher to convert to a fielder, or at least a MLB caliber one. The same goes for ex-Orioles pitcher Adam Loewen (spelling?), who was once a top prospect and is now converting to be a position player.

Answer 5

he is a good hitter but he has to many tools as a pitcher to be an outfielder