A fan favorite from the moment he made his Major League debut, energetic Dontrelle Willis now has the chance to truly gain international appeal.

 

As expected Tuesday, Willis was selected by manager Buck Martinez to the 30-man United States squad in the upcoming inaugural World Baseball Classic.

 

The U.S. is carrying four starters and a total of 14 pitchers. Martinez announced Tuesday that Willis will start the second game for the United States, with San Diego's Jake Peavy getting the nod for the first contest.

 

"It's a high honor, especially being so young in my career," Willis said of being the second-game starter. "I'm definitely enthusiastic and definitely happy that they feel that I'm capable of handling the load of being one of the best for the United States."

 

Joining Willis and Peavy in the rotation are Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia and the legendary Roger Clemens, who hasn't decided if he will pitch in the regular season.

 

As many as 10 Florida players may be involved in the WBC, with All-Star third baseman Miguel Cabrera expected to be a headline name for Venezuela.

 

Respected for his all-out style of play, the competitive Willis says he wouldn't hesitate throwing inside -- even to Cabrera -- and doing whatever it takes to win a title for the United States.

 

"I'm going to go out there and try to win the game," Willis said. "I'm going to do whatever it takes. I expect the same from Miguel, if the circumstances may be. I'm definitely going to go out there and try to do my best to bring it home for my country.

 

"As far as going too hard, I'm the kind of guy who is going to go the same whether it's the postseason or Spring Training. It doesn't really matter."

 

March 2 is the official date teams must submit their rosters for the first round. Roster changes could still be made prior to that date.

 

The 24-year-old Willis has long been an avid supporter of the WBC, frequently appearing in promotional advertisements for the games.

 

Like millions of other Americans, Willis is watching the Winter Olympics, and it's helping boost his patriotic pride.

 

"I saw ... the snowboarders winning gold and silver, and how enthusiastic they were, not just to win, but to represent their country," Willis said. "I think that's an awesome thing to see people walking around with the American flag, or any flag of that nature, to say they represented their country the best they could."

 

Born in Oakland, Calif., Willis makes South Florida his home year-round now, and he is the ace of the retooled Marlins.

 

In 2005, the D-Train led the Major Leagues in victories (22) and shutouts (five). He tied Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals for most complete games with seven. An All-Star for the second time, Willis finished runner-up to Carpenter in the National League Cy Young Award voting.

 

Willis will report to Spring Training with the rest of the Marlins pitchers and catchers on Saturday, and then he will join the U.S. squad in early March. The longest he could be away from the Marlins is 18 days.

 

"I definitely want to be around my team, because that's ultimately who I'm going to represent, the Florida Marlins," Willis said of being away. "I think they all understand I'm going out there to represent South Florida and their ball club and the United States of America. I'll be gone a couple of weeks, but when I come back, I'll try to come back and jell with the team."

 

Willis was 22-10 with a 2.63 ERA, and he was the winner of the Warren Spahn Award, presented to the league's top left-handed pitcher.

 

With his strong offseason workout program, Willis should have little trouble being ready early in the WBC. He's been throwing bullpen sessions a couple of times a week since January, and with his deceptive delivery he typically is very tough on hitters early in the season.

 

He has a history of being a fast starter, posting a 5-0 record with a 1.29 ERA for his career in April.

 

Called up from Double-A in May 2003, Willis went on to win NL Rookie of the Year honors. That year he went 14-6 with a 3.30 ERA and he was a big factor in the Marlins becoming World Series champions.

 

In three seasons, Willis has a 46-27 career record with a 3.27 ERA. He is three victories shy of tying A.J. Burnett for the Marlins' all-time career wins mark.

 

Willis has some previous international experience, having played with a collection of Major League stars against the Japanese All-Stars in Tokyo following the 2004 season. During that tournament, won by the Major Leaguers, Willis developed a close friendship with Peavy.

 

"I felt like I was in the Olympics when I had a chance to go over there because we were playing one of the powerhouses in baseball," Willis said. "It was just an awesome feeling. We took a lot of pride in that. No one got hurt. After we won the series, I felt like I won a gold medal."

 

LETS GO DTRAIN! Show that MARLINS Pride!

For this event it's show that USA pride.