How good is Dontrelle Willis?

CDsNuts

I don't buy modern, and I don't believe in investing money in pitchers, but if I was, I would've put a ton of money into Willis RCs right before his injury last year (or was it 2 years ago). He just blows batters away and with his style they can't pick up his pitches until it's too late. Too bad that style also makes him the poster-child for a career-ending injury. Really fun kid to watch.

Lee

Knuckles

Wacky

Davino

He's good maybe for a spurt or a couple seasons, but who knows longterm?

calleocho

He really does have a lot of fan appeal.

I think Beckett and Burnett have better stuff talent wise, but Willis has a truly electric personality.

I love going to the stadium when he pitches, " the D train"

investing in modern pitchers its just not a good idea though, too many injuries and too few shots at breaking any meaningful records.

CDsNuts

Out of all the great pitchers who had RCs in the 80s, only Clemens, Maddux, and Randy Johnson still have collectibility. That's insane when you think about how many guys were/are great to watch- Dave Stewart, Glavine, Smoltz, Schilling, Valenzuela, Mike Scott, Viola, Saberhagen, Gooden, Rijo, Key, Hershiser, etc.... None of those guys bring a buck in mint condition. Knowing that I would never invest money in a pitcher, but you still gotta love watching Willis. Plus he looks like he's 12 and always has a smile on his face.

Lee

Knuckles

A Nomo

phreakydancin

My thoughts exactly, knuckles. Unorthodox pitchers are only effective until batters can figure them out. I'd give him until mid-2006 before he's considered merely average.

Allen

Good point CDs- You can blame part of it on mass production, but even if those guys had #/500 Auto rookies it is doubtful that they would be collectible today with the exception of Schilling.