Giants sign Dontrelle Willis..

[Upton]

On Thursday, the Giants announced they had signed Willis to a Minor League contract Wednesday. The 28-year-old left-hander signed for the pro-rated Major League minimum of $400,000, while he is still owed $12 million as part of the final year of a three-year, $29 million deal he signed with Detroit prior to the 2008 season.

Willis will report to Rookie-level Arizona on Monday to strengthen his arm before throwing at Triple-A Fresno.

"He got derailed there a little bit with Detroit and Arizona, but this is too good of an arm to give up on," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's not giving up and that's what's important. He still wants to pitch and he's a guy we can use in different ways."

In his eight-year career, Willis is 71-63 with a 4.12 ERA, but has struggled since leading the league with 22 wins in 2005. He was traded to Detroit prior to the 2008 season, but injuries and an anxiety disorder limited him to fewer than 10 games in 200

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This guy used to be one of the best pitchers in baseball....sure has fallen on hard times. I think he's worth a shot though, particularly at that price. If he shows something in Fresno, maybe the Giants could bring him up to pitch in relief, if nothing else.

[hughee99]

1. At $400K, a great signing for the Giants.

I think he still has the potential to pitch at a major league level, and if he doesn't work out, they wouldn't have lost very much. I think he can come back from the injuries and be physically okay, but the anxiety disorder may be more difficult to resolve.

[Upton]

3. You know

I was wondering abut his anxiety disorder too. The Tigers actually had to place him on the DL because of it, or at lest that was the reason given. Willis is supposed to be on medication now. This whole deal is not costing the Giants hardly anything..so why not give him a look? You never know.

[Auggie]

2. I'm surprised Cleveland didn't sign him

They resurrected Fausto Carmona with good success and Cliff Lee with Cy Young award success.

[Upton]

4. I don't know if Wiillis

fills the bill, but what the Giants need is someone who can throw the ball over the plate consistently. The Giants pitching staff lead MLB in BBs, and what's amazing is that both the starters AND the relievers lead MLB in BBs in their respective categories.

The starters can get away with it a little more, I think most of that is Sanchez and Zito anyway. The bullpen though is playing with fire and it drives me crazy. It seems like every time Bochy brings someone in, he walks the first guy.

[Auggie]

5. Totally agree.

Chris Ray has been a really welcomed addition. Wellemeyer is slated for long relief when he returns from the DL. Romo is pitching better. Maybe they'll lift the bullpen.