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Friday, June 20, 2008

The Gradual Decline and Sudden Collapse of Dontrelle Willis

A look into the problems of Dontrelle Willis…

There should be no worries about making changes to Willis’ mechanics since there is really nothing he can do to make things worse. But one thing is for sure: changing what made Willis successful is not the right way to go.

NoVaO Posted: June 20, 2008 at 08:40 AM | 6 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: scouting, tigers

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1. Russlan will never be fond of Jason Bay Posted: June 20, 2008 at 10:50 AM (#2826738)

Willis is a really big guy and I am not sure he's flexible enough to maintain the mechanics that allowed him to be successful earlier in his career.

2. 6 - 4 - 3 Posted: June 20, 2008 at 11:02 AM (#2826741)

The fall of Willis is pretty mind boggling and admittedly difficult to watch. If he is to get back to being the pitcher he once was, here are some things to try:

1. Get in shape - this is the easiest thing for Willis to do. Getting back in shape and improving his overall athleticism will make it easier for him to make any needed adjustments to his mechanics

2. Gradually alter his mechanics with the goal of him getting back to his 2005 levels. You don't want to overhaul his mechanics to where he is overthinking everything. Small changes over time will do.

3. The last and most important change is the need to get Willis to stop thinking and start throwing. Just go out there, let it fly, get moving, don't worry about staying back, and don't worry about your mechanics.

#1 is obvious, while #2 and #3 are incompatible. Either the answer is to make the pitcher more self-aware and deliberate of his mechanics, or to "just let it fly."

Did Marlin coaches lead Willis astray by encouraging him to adjust his delivery a few years ago? Possibly, but as Russlan points out, it's highly unlikely that Willis could have maintained success as he aged in any event.

3. rfloh Posted: June 20, 2008 at 01:08 PM (#2826800)

Either the answer is to make the pitcher more self-aware and deliberate of his mechanics, or to "just let it fly."

Not necessarily so. An athlete can be self-aware and deliberate and thinking about mechanics during training, when watching video, preparing for a start, before competition. Then, let it fly during competition.

Also, Willis doesn't have to be responsible for #2. The coaches can be the ones working on his mechanics. He does what they tell him to do.

4. flournoy Posted: June 20, 2008 at 01:30 PM (#2826809)

Changing your mechanics is a lot harder than just doing what you're told to do.

5. H_Vaughn08 Posted: June 21, 2008 at 01:18 AM (#2827801)

Rich Hill for Dontrelle would be an interesting challenge trade right about now. Amazingly, Hill's 2 years older. The Cubs could afford to soak up the salary and there may be some upside.

6. Crispix Attacks Posted: June 21, 2008 at 02:23 AM (#2827987)

Amazingly, Hill's 2 years older.

That is amazing.

Willis currently has 50 more major-league wins than Hill. Will Hill catch up?!?

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Friday, June 20, 2008

The Gradual Decline and Sudden Collapse of Dontrelle Willis

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