June 23, 200323 yr c/o flamarlins.com NEW YORK -- Word is out. Marlins rookie left-hander Dontrelle Willis is swiftly becoming the real deal. His name is growing locally and nationally through TV exposure and numerous articles. Now the voters of National League Player of the Week have taken notice. For posting two complete-game shutouts, the 21-year-old lefty was named the National League Pepsi Co-Player of the Week for June 16-22. Willis shares the NL honor with Arizona rookie reliever Jose Valverde. Willis (7-1) has won six straight starts. None more impressive than what he accomplished last week. Last Monday, Willis tossed a complete-game, one-hit shutout against the Mets. The Marlins edged New York, 1-0, on Ivan Rodriguez's solo home run off Tom Glavine. Willis did the rest, striking out eight in nine innings. As an encore, Willis outdueled the Devil Rays and the elements Saturday night. In a rain-shortened game, Willis preserved a 2-0 victory by tossing a two-hitter in five innings. A noted fast worker on the mound, every precious second counted Saturday to get the game past the necessary five innings. Willis was on the mound facing the leadoff batter, pinch-hitter Jason Tyner, in the top of the sixth inning when heavy rains caused a delay. It took 1-hour, 19-minutes to get the necessary five innings in for Willis to improve to 7-1. "It was a blessing that worked in my favor," Willis said of his quick pace on the mound. "It was a quick game." His one-hitter against the Mets ended in 2-hours, 10-minutes. Willis lowered his ERA to 2.38 as he extended his scoreless-inning streak to 14. In his six-game winning streak, he had given up four runs in 42 2/3 innings (0.84). Because of his high-leg kick and herky-jerky delivery, Willis is being compared to a young Vida Blue. Willis was born in Oakland and he lives in Alameda. He remains an A's fan. Marlins manager Jack McKeon is pushing Willis for All-Star consideration. With a few more impressive starts, he just might get it. "He's one of the more colorful players in the league," McKeon said. "The game needs more players like this kid." "He's one of the more colorful players in the league. The game needs more players like this kid." -- Jack McKeon on Dontrelle Willis Willis was brought up on May 9 after just six starts at Double-A Carolina, where he was 4-0. Last season, he was acquired as part of the trade that sent Antonio Alfonseca and Matt Clement to the Cubs. Willis spent last season at low Class A Kane County and Class A Jupiter, where he posted a 12-2 record. Counting his minor league stints, the left-hander has a 23-3 record in the Marlins' organization. A high-energy worker, Willis has provided a spark throughout the Marlins clubhouse. His teammates quickly embraced him for his out-going personality, and the fact he has become a dominant pitcher in a short period of time. He got his big-league break after the Marlins placed three of their starters on the disabled list, A.J. Burnett (Tommy John surgery), Mark Redman (broken left thumb) and Josh Beckett (sprained right elbow). Willis leads all Major League rookies with seven wins and his 55 strikeouts are third. The Marlins have won four straight and they seek to even their record at 39-39 Tuesday night against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Willis' next start will be Thursday in New York, a city he had never visited until this week.
June 24, 200323 yr D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy D-Dub :notworthy
June 24, 200323 yr Oh and i also heard dontrelle willis will probably make the allstar team if he keeps it up!
June 24, 200323 yr I am very proud of D-Willis for helping out the Marlins. If it weren't for him, we would have 7 less losses than we do now. D-WILLIS IS THE BEST PLAYER EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :w00t
June 24, 200323 yr Thats probaly very exciting for him and his Family! Congrats DW!! He is dominating this league....
June 24, 200323 yr Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumWillis :thumbup bup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup Willis :thumbup
June 24, 200323 yr Fuc^ Rookie da year, Fuc^ all Star game...... DONTRELLE 4 CY YOUNG!!!!!!! he can compete with Keven Brown and Woody WIlliams and Jason Schmit 20 wins looks possible to me right now...... i have got high hopes......
June 24, 200323 yr in the hearld they put the pitchers and the standin are D.Willis 7-1 .875 2.38 K.Brown 10-2 .833 2.22 W.Williams 9-2 .818 2.55 Ishii 7-2 .778 2.76 K.Rueter 7-2 .778 3.79 R.Chacon 10-3 .769 4.10 so it means Willis could win the Cy Young if he keeps on he in 1st place!
June 24, 200322 yr in the hearld they put the pitchers and the standin are D.Willis 7-1 .875 2.38 K.Brown 10-2 .833 2.22 W.Williams 9-2 .818 2.55 Ishii 7-2 .778 2.76 I have to believe Kevin Brown is ahead for the Cy Young, just because their stats are so similar, but he's a vet. BUT, I bet you the Herald knows that. I think they may have posted Willis as the leader to get those bandwagon Marlin fans out to the park to see him... I'm telling you, in his next start against Atlanta there are gonna be a lot of butts in the seats, includng mine.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.