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Justin · 03-20-2007, 01:13 PM

Marlins lefty gets the honor for second consecutive season

Quote:

JUPITER, Fla. -- Dontrelle Willis is the Marlins' undisputed leader. He is the franchise's all-time leader in wins. And now for the second straight season, the D-Train will be the club's Opening Day starter.

In a no-surprise move, Willis has officially been tabbed to make the April 2 start when the Marlins face the Nationals at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

"I'm excited, I wanted it. But that doesn't mean I'm going to have it next year," Willis said. "You never want to assume anything in this game."

The decision was announced on Monday morning by manager Fredi Gonzalez.

Asked why it was Willis, Gonzalez joked: "It landed heads. ... Come on.

"He's the guy who has been here the longest. He's the leader of that pitching staff. He's the guy we want there for the matchup."

Following Willis in the rotation will be Scott Olsen, Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco, who will start the home opener on April 6 against Phillies at Dolphin Stadium.

Because of an off day on April 5, the Marlins will go with a four-man rotation until April 10. The front-runner for the fifth spot is Sergio Mitre, while Yusmeiro Petit is also in consideration.

Gonzalez opted to go with lefties in back-to-back games in Washington to open the season, rather than split them up with Sanchez as the No. 2 starter.

The Official Site of the Florida Marlins: Florida Marlins' News

**Kitty** · 03-20-2007, 02:19 PM

That's no surprise there....D-Train is the man!

Justin · 03-21-2007, 11:58 PM

Yeh, he's also the most experienced pitcher on the team, so I guess there was really no doubt. It's best to start the season with a somewhat reliable pitcher.

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