MIAMI -- Pocketing a World Series ring and a Rookie of the Year trophy has not inflated the ego of Dontrelle Willis.

If anything, the D-Train is more grounded than ever.

 

Humble and affable as ever, Willis recently celebrated his 22nd birthday (Jan. 12) and is dedicated to avoiding a sophomore slump while taking nothing for granted.

 

The fact that he compiled a 14-6 record (3.30 ERA), and was an All-Star and a key performer in getting the Marlins into playoff contention hasn't created a comfort level. And though Willis is projected to be the third or fourth starter when Spring Training opens, the high-kicking left-hander talks freely about accepting any role, even if it is in the bullpen.

 

"I'm just excited to get back out there," said Willis, who has been working out regularly at Pro Player Stadium. "Whatever happens, happens. I'm just going to go out there and play, regardless of what my role is, starter or reliever. I'm just going to go out there and pitch and try to get guys out. That's what it boils down to, that's what it's all about."

 

It doesn't matter that the organization sees him as a starter. In Willis' mind, nothing is etched in stone in such a mercurial sport as baseball. As a rookie, he witnessed the highs and lows in a game that can be so humbling.

 

 

 

Willis' ups and downs have been well documented. He was 9-1 (2.08 ERA) before the All-Star break and 5-5 (4.60 ERA) afterward. In the postseason he was lit up in a start against the Cubs in the NLCS, but he had his moments of effectiveness pitching in relief against the Yankees in the World Series.

 

Being knocked around on occasion reminds Willis not to expect anything.

 

"Not up here," he said. "I just want to be in uniform and be healthy. People talk about goals and what have you, [but]you can't achieve those goals unless you stay healthy."

 

With Marlins' pitchers and catchers scheduled to report in Jupiter, Fla., on Feb. 21, Willis is ready to kick up his preparation.

 

"It is 'go' time now," he said. "There is less than a month. You've got to come in ready to win a job."

 

Willis spent a majority of the offseason at his Alameda, Calif., home, intensifying his conditioning.

 

Fatigue was partly to blame for his second-half slump. The 6-foot-4 lefty remained active this winter, engaging in intense cardio workouts and slimming down to 200 pounds, approximately 10 pounds lighter than when he finished his rookie season.

 

"I don't know [how much weight I lost]," he said. "I just know I feel lighter on my feet. I've been running, doing cardio, just moving my feet, getting ready for the humidity that is about to come."

 

A few weeks ago, Willis returned to Miami to get ready for his second big-league season. He has been working out at Pro Player Stadium with teammates A.J. Burnett and Juan Pierre.

 

"A lot of people have been talking about [a] sophomore jinx," said Willis. "I don't think about that."

 

Since being called up last May from Double-A Carolina, Willis has tried to keep his game simple. He doesn't overanalyze himself, although refinements in his wild delivery are expected.

 

A high-energy player, Willis is a fan favorite who won over his teammates with his all-out effort. In addition to being a talented pitcher, who on occasion sprints off the mound, he is an athlete. Willis hit a home run in the regular season and had a triple in the Division Series against the Giants.

 

His rookie statistics reveal some telling figures. In his six losses, he allowed 27 earned runs in 23 2/3 innings (10.27 ERA). In his other 21 games (14-0, with seven no-decisions), he allowed 32 earned runs in 137 innings (2.10 ERA). So when he was off, he was way off. Otherwise he was pretty respectable.

 

"For me, looking back on the season, I wouldn't change a thing," he said. "The success, the struggles, I wouldn't change one thing. I got to see all aspects of everything. There was one point where I was throwing lights out, and there was one point where I couldn't get anybody out. It's not a good situation to be in when you go through it. But now that you look back, you've got to grow up, be a man about it, take responsibility and go out and play baseball."

 

Nice article. It's very reassuring to know that he's got a good frame of mind, and is willing to except whatever responsiblity is given to him. It's also good to know that he's feeling better and lighter on his feet after losing those 10 lbs. even though it's not like he needs to lose anymore weight

 

c/o MLB.com

This is good to hear. One of the guys I work with said he heard Dwill gained like 20lbs.

But the article says he lost 10 pounds.

But the article says he lost 10 pounds.

y e a h, I know. That's why it's good news. I was hoping he didn't get fat in the off-season.

I think the D-train will be a huge factor in the success of our team. If he can pitch any where near the way he did in his 1st 15 or so starts last year, then I will be ecstatic. It's all about location with Dontrelle, if he can regain that pinpoint control he had at the start of last season then he will have a great year next season.

D-Train has the power

Great story. The D-Train is serious about improving his game this year! I remember they had to pull him out of the gym to interview him when he won the ROY award.

 

D-Train, JP and AJ.....are bound to have a great year with that kind of dedication.

I love this kids enthusiasm. I hope he doesnt get fatigue so easily in the 2nd half. I think dropping those 10 pounds will help alot. I dont think he will go to the bullpen. He is better off as being a starting pitcher IMO.

Good article on the ever humble DTrain...

 

 

Hopefully he has developed a nasty fastball over the winter to improve on his flat one over the year...

as long as he's working half as hard as JP, he's gonna hold up VERY well