Phillies to try Willis in relief: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Phillies intend to use recently-signed Dontrelle Willis out of the bullpen. The Phillies inked Willis to a one-year deal worth approximately $1 million on Tuesday. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. wanted to sign a left-handed reliever at the winter meetings, but brought Willis on board leaving the meetings without a lefty arm. Willis will probably be used as a specialist against left-handed batters, freeing up fellow southpaw Antonio Bastardo for the set-up role. (Updated 12/14/2011)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/13/12).
Fantasy Analysis
While Willis has struggled in recent years as a starter, this is not good news for him from a Fantasy perspective. As a lefty relief specialist, he won't pitch enough innings to make an impact, even in very deep leagues. Barring a change in his forecasted role, owners can skip over Willis in next spring's drafts. (Updated 12/14/2011).
12/15/2011 17:48 Phillies sign lefty Willis
The Philadelphia Phillies have signed lefty Dontrelle Willis to a one-year contract, worth $850,000.
Dontrelle Willis has a new role on another new team. After signing a one-year contract during the offseason with Philadelphia -- his fourth team in three seasons -- Willis will look to revive his career out of the bullpen. Willis, who was the 2003 NL Rookie of the Year with Florida, has seen his effectiveness plummet since he finished second in the NL Cy Young Award voting in 2005. He posted a 1-6 record with a 5.00 ERA for Cincinnati last year. Willis has made just three relief appearances in 205 career games in the regular season, but said he is "excited" for the opportunity to make the transition. The 30-year-old is clearly better against left-handed hitters, who hit just .127 against Willis in 55 at-bats last season. Overall, left-handers have hit just .200 against him during his career. In his new role, Willis is unlikely to pitch enough innings to make an impact and should be left alone in Fantasy drafts. (Updated 2/13/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start