For Baseball Heads

[Fletch]

Anyone know about Dontrelle Willis of the Marlins? I know the Marlins stink, but I'm hearing that this cat, according to Tim McCarver, may be the best young pitcher to come along in years. What's his stuff? He starts tonite against the Brewers. Peace.

[AD]

I've heard about him and I've been hearing that he might be the next Mark Prior. I still haven't seen him pitch but his record is pretty damn good so far. He's only pitched in 6 games and he has 4 wins 1 loss, 38K's, 3.00ERA, and a 1.42WHIP. The WHIP numbers might be a little high, but the guy is still in training and I'm sure he'll get better.

[djdub63]

[Sharp Eye Washington]

He's bringing it from the left? Go brother.

[Fletch]

Originally posted by Phil Bernard:
He's bringing it from the left? Go brother.

Yeah, That's why I posted. African American starting pitchers, period, are rare. African American starting lefties are once every two generations. The next Vida Blue?

[ June 11, 2003, 02:02 PM: Message edited by: einnod23 ]

[Dolemite73]

Guess what....he was a Chicago Cubs minor leaguer. Then they traded him.

[Sharp Eye Washington]

Yeah Vida was the last great African American lefty. Thanks because I never heard of this kid. I'll start following the Marlins. Since we are on the topic of African Americans & baseball, it appears that we are slowly disappearing from MLB. Inner cities were full of baseball diamonds in the 60's & 70's. I drive through my old neighborhoods & most of the baseball diamonds are gone. I guess everybody wants to be like Mike. We have a rich history in MLB I hope we return to the game as players & fans.

[Fletch]

Speaking of Vida, Dontrelle's from Oakland.

Vida Blue. 209-161, 3.27 ERA, 3-time 20 game winner, CY Young and MVP in 1971. He's NOT in Cooperstown. Yes, he had some serious drug problems, but considering baseball's non-existent drug policy, why is he not enshrined? Go figure.

Speaking of African American lefties, I forget how Brien Taylor (late 80s Yankee prospect) tore his shoulder up. I think it was a fight in a bar, but correct me if I'm wrong.

[Sharp Eye Washington]

Originally posted by einnod23:
Speaking of Vida, Dontrelle's from Oakland.

Vida Blue. 209-161, 3.27 ERA, 3-time 20 game winner, CY Young and MVP in 1971. He's NOT in Cooperstown. Yes, he had some serious drug problems, but considering baseball's non-existent drug policy, why is he not enshrined? Go figure.

Speaking of African American lefties, I forget how Brien Taylor (late 80s Yankee prospect) tore his shoulder up. I think it was a fight in a bar, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Based on those numbers (not to mention 3 time world champ) He should have a plaque in Cooperstown. I remember when Vida broke in with that blazing fastball. Nobody could touch him! Brien Taylor should have been the ace of the Yankees staff right now. He made a really bad choice. Sometimes you need to leave those friends in the hood.

[P-Flipp]

Brothers in this game have been scarce and that is a crying shame.I will be keeping my eyes open for this kid.

[P-Flipp]

The line on his latest game a 6-5 triumph over the Brewers.

Florida IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
D Willis 6 2/3 8 3 3 1 5 1 3.16
W 5-1

[ June 12, 2003, 12:39 AM: Message edited by: P-Flipp ]

[Fletch]

I'll be able to see him on TV Monday night. Marlins host the Mets. Peace.