Despite many bad signs the Detroit Tigers signed Dontrelle Willis to a 3 year $29 million salary. In those three years Willis won a total of two games for the Tigers. In his first two appearances he walked nine batters and struck out none. He was placed on the disabled list. In a start against the Indians in one 1/3 innings he gave up 8 earned runs with 5 walks. He was then sent down to single A Lakeland. He was called up to the majors in September. He made three starts. His ERA in those games was 9.17. In 24 innings, he walked 35 batters.
In his second year, Willis started the season on the disabled list. When he returned his results were poor. He finished the season 1-4 with a 7.49 ERA.
By May in his third year, the Tigers released him only to be picked up the Diamondbacks then played his final year for the Cincinnati Reds.
In three years, Willis played in 24 games. HIs record was 2-8. His ERA was 6.86. In 101 innings he gave up 92 walks. No matter how you can try to measure this contract it never makes any sense.
