After a moderately successful comeback last season with the Cincinnati Reds, Dontrelle Willis signed a non-guaranteed minor-league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, who reportedly hoped Willis would become a solid bullpen lefty.

Those hopes were dashed during spring training, when Willis hardly pitched and ultimately was released. The Orioles, with the same hopes, signed Willis to a minor-league deal and sent him to their triple-A affiliate in Norfolk.

But after making three relief appearances for that club, Willis has apparently had enough. From Jon Heyman (via CBSSports.com):

Dontrelle Willis' interesting career has taken another interesting turn, as he has left the Orioles' Triple-A Norfolk team without permission and is at least temporarily on the restricted list. The Orioles still want Willis to work as a reliever and would welcome him back should he return.

--snip--

Willis' agent Matt Sosnick agreed that there was a difference of a opinion on starting vs. relieving and said Willis had asked for his release. Willis was released in spring by thye Phillies this year.

You have to feel for Willis, a little bit. But he's hardly at a point in his career where he can be choosy about his employer. Fortunately for him, the Orioles ar