I love sneaky good signings.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed LHP Dontrelle Willis to a one-year contract that could be worth around $1 million according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. At first glance, when you look at Willis’ overall numbers, this appears to be a head-scratcher.

Willis finished the 2011 season with the Cincinnati Reds with a 5.00 ERA, 4.4 BB/9, and a 6.8 K/9 in 75.2 innings. However, Willis held left-handed batters to a .369 OPS, 58.3 percent Ground Ball Percentage, and a 2.09 xFIP in 60 plate appearances. Despite the small sample size, that’s pretty impressive.

As long as the Phillies use Willis as a situational lefty, they should get their money’s worth out of him. Good signing by the Phillies.

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By The Baseball Index