July 16, 200322 yr Marlins stars enjoy experience BY KEVIN BAXTER kbaxter@herald.com Perhaps the highlight of Dontrelle Willis' All-Star experience came a few hours before the game when Baseball Tonight host Karl Ravech introduced himself to the Marlins phenom. For the first time this season Willis, an ESPN addict, seemed unnerved by celebrity. ''Karl Ravech!'' the rookie shouted, looking at the media badge to make sure he wasn't dreaming. ''Dontrelle Willis!'' Ravech playfully shouted back. That will have to do as far as memories of this All-Star Game is concerned because Willis, who received one of the warmest ovations in pregame introductions, did not appear in the game, which the American League won 7-6. Both his Marlins teammates played, however, with Mike Lowell doubling in his only at-bat and Luis Castillo bouncing out and flying out. National League manager Dusty Baker said he didn't want to overwork Willis, who threw 104 pitches in notching his ninth win Sunday. And Willis didn't protest, even though Tuesday was his normal day to throw between starts. ''I'm not going to talk [baker]into doing anything,'' said Willis, who was warming up when the game ended. ``It's not like we're going to go down if I don't pitch.'' Lowell enjoyed his second All-Star appearance, even if fewer friends saw it. ''Last year I had so many things to coordinate,'' said Lowell, who invited his wife, parents, sister and in-laws this year. Castillo, meanwhile, had only agent Andy Mota with him. That's largely because Castillo didn't find out he was going until late Sunday afternoon, too late to arrange for his family to join him. ''I'm happy to be here, but I wanted to bring my family,'' said Castillo, a late replacement for the injured Marcus Giles. ``I didn't have any time.'' Link
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