February 15, 200620 yr MIAMI - Dontrelle Willis was feeling particularly patriotic Tuesday. Some of it came from watching the Winter Olympics on TV, and some of it from being selected as one of four starting pitchers for the U.S. team in next month's inaugural World Baseball Classic. "It's a high honor, man, especially being so young," said Willis, 22. "I'm definitely enthusiastic and happy they feel I'll be capable of handling the load of being one of the representatives of the United States." Roger Clemens, Jake Peavy and C.C. Sabathia will be the other starters on the 14-man U.S. pitching staff. Peavy will start the opener and Willis will start the second game, U.S. manager Buck Showalter said. The tournament begins March 7, and changes to the roster can be made through March 2. Willis went 22-10 for the Florida Marlins last season and finished second behind St. Louis' Chris Carpenter in the National League voting for the Cy Young Award. Willis said he likes the concept of the World Baseball Classic, and he's not concerned about pitching in a competitive situation when he otherwise would be easing himself into shape for opening day. "I think they're going to do a good job of monitoring guys' throwing and playing time," he said. "And as far as going too hard, I'm the same whether it's the regular season or spring training." Marlins pitchers and catchers report for spring training Saturday in Jupiter, Fla., with the first workout Monday. Willis will be the ace on a staff that lost Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett during Florida's offseason payroll purge. To prepare for spring training, Willis has throwing three times a week. And he's been whetting his appetite for the international competition by watching the Olympics. "It's awesome to see people running around with the American flag, or any flag," he said. "To represent your country is one of the highest honors you can get." http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/new...al/13871965.htm
February 15, 200620 yr Awesome, Trelle gets to pitch the marquee game of Pool B against Canada. It's quite the honor for him. So Trelle will get two starts max if everything stays steady: The Canada game and the third game of Pool 1 should the United States advance.
February 15, 200620 yr Congrats to Train. Now go out and own those Canadians. Damn maple syrup doesn't stand a chance against the D-Train.
February 15, 200620 yr Awesome, Trelle gets to pitch the marquee game of Pool B against Canada. It's quite the honor for him. So Trelle will get two starts max if everything stays steady: The Canada game and the third game of Pool 1 should the United States advance. Yes, Buck Martinez confirmed D-Train will start the 2nd game against Canada since they have a heavily weighted lefty lineup. Kevin Kennedy interviewed him this afternoon on XM radio.
February 15, 200620 yr With the way Dontrelle traditionally starts off a season, I expect him to perform quite well for the U.S.
February 15, 200620 yr as long as they dont over pitch him or hurt him I am all for it go d-train kick some canadian butt! Blame Canada!
February 15, 200620 yr Author I think the most pressing question is will he bat or is it exclusively DH. DH only, unfortunately. And with the firepower team USA will have, there's no chance D-Train would be the DH.
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