Wild Closer Idea: Dontrelle Willis

Over at the Mets Refugees message board, a thread was started discussing the topic of whether Dontrelle Willis would make for an effective closer.

Converting a starting pitcher to the closer role is always an enticing proposition. John Smoltz had a nasty repertoire as a starter, he was “lights out” as a closer. Anytime you put someone who throws hard and has movement on their pitches it makes for an uncomfortable one inning of work. Add the funky motion of Willis (plus he is lefty) and you have an interesting topic for debate.

In the case of Willis it would be a risk the Mets can’t take. Trying to convert Willis would be fine, if there was a young up and coming closer behind him. Also, we haven’t seen a healthy Dontrelle Willis in nearly three years. The Mets can’t afford a “maybe” in the ninth inning. They used up a decade of that last season.

Trading for Willis is not a bad idea though, but as a fifth starter scrap heap option. Yes, you heard me, Dontrelle Willis is considered a scrap heap pick up. It was not that long ago that Florida wanted the Mets to give up their farm for the 26 year old lefty. Would Detroit have any use for Luis Castillo? Dontrelle’s contract runs for about two more years at 17 million. Castillo has three more years at 18 million. It’s a wash in terms of dollar amount. Placido Polanco can play third, Carlos Guillen is more of a DH now, and Castillo can slide into the 2b position.

Not sure how motivated Detroit is to move the Willis contract, but it couldn’t hurt to try. Good idea by the guys at the Refugees, but only if it’s acquiring Willis as a starter, not a closer.