Dontrelle Willis gets a chance from Reds

[February 19, 2011]  GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Out of a job before his 30th birthday, left-hander Dontrelle Willis was looking for another chance. It came in a phone call with someone he knows very well.

Dusty Baker's wife knew Willis when he was a youngster, forging something of an extended-family bond. The Reds manager called Willis over the offseason and suggested he sign a minor league deal with Cincinnati, which could use him in the bullpen.

Even though Willis has been a starter his entire career, he took the offer. The former NL Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star is pitching for his fifth team in two years. Willis was known as D-Train when he took Florida by storm in 2003 and led the Marlins to the World Series.

Now, he's just trying to keep his career going.

[Associated Press; By JOE KAY]

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