The D-Train Says He Feels Stronger

by Ian Casselberry on Feb 12, 2009 2:45 PM EST in Detroit Tigers News

If you had "two days before" in the "How soon into Spring Training will we get the 'Dontrelle Willis is in the best shape of his life' story" pool, congratulations. You've won the praise and admiration of your peers. Pick up your prize at the door.

Take it away, Mr. Henning:

An off-season regimen overseen by Javair Gillett, the Tigers' strength and conditioning coach, focused on endurance and streamlining his 6-foot-4 frame. He has been listed at 225 pounds on the Tigers' roster.

"I talked with Javair a lot -- maybe too much," Willis said with a chuckle. "It was run and run all off-season. Usually, I'm a long-distance guy. These drills were just shorter."

The D-Train steams into Lakeland five pounds lighter and feeling stronger. Pitching coach Rick Knapp says he has "looked terrific."

Nowhere to go but up, right?

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Comments

yeah, but how’s the funky pitching motion? And the baseballs that are closer to the batter’s ears than the strike zone? I’d rather have the guy’s pitching in tip top shape than his physical being…

by ahtrap on Feb 12, 2009 3:35 PM EST reply actions

Willis

Maybe the biggest question mark on the Tigers heading into the 2009 season.

I want to believe he can make a comeback but I’m having my doubts.

by Todd1005fm on Feb 13, 2009 6:18 AM EST reply actions

D-Train

The D-Train has derailed. He through—finished done! Forget it! Wish I could earn $10 million to do nothing. Unfortunately the Tigers are stuck with his salary.

EarthquakeQueen64

by EarthquakeQueen64 on Feb 16, 2009 1:34 PM EST reply actions