Forget that the Detroit Tigers are a 138 million dollar train wreck. Forget that the Hockey's NHL Champion Detroit Red Wings are really the only Motor City team committed to excellence. And forget that right now most of us are focused on the NBA Finals. Detroit Tiger pitcher Dontrelle Willis is being sent to the minors and Major League Baseball can not afford to loose another African American player, especially a star of Dontrelle's stature.
"My heart is broken for the kid," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said in his pregame press briefing.
Willis, just four months after receiving a three-year, $29 million extension, symbolizes the Tigers' woes. He has yet to win a game, his 10.32 ERA is the worst by a starter in the major leagues, and he has walked 20 batters with only five strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings.
The Tigers sent him home to Florida, with Willis' permission, after he walked five batters and failed to get out of the second inning Monday. He will work with Tigers pitching coordinator Jon Matlack and Lakeland pitching coach Joe Coleman to see if his career can be saved. Read more from our source Bob Nightengale at USATODAY .