D-Train in Motion for the Detroit Tigers

I know it's only one game. It's only one win. But when was the last time one game or one win created such excitement for one player?

That player is Dontrelle “D-Train” Willis.

Willis picked up his first victory in a Detroit Tigers uniform last night. Willis gave up no runs and one hit while striking out five. He walked just two while retiring 17 batters in a row at one point.

Prior to last season this would not have been such a big deal. This would have been expected from Willis every five days. Unfortunately those expectations have not been around for a while.

Beginning in 2007, his last season in Florida, Willis lost command of his control. Willis allowed the most hits, runs, earned runs, walks and had the highest ERA of his brief career. This after winning Rookie of the Year in 2003, a Cy Young runner up in 2005 and two all-star appearances in '03 and '05.

Things only got worse for Willis upon his arrival in Detroit. The nightmare season began with a knee injury in just his second start. That injury kept him out until the end of May. Still not fully healed, the knee and control issues, his next stint lasted three games with a total of 6.1 innings pitched, 9 earned runs and 12 walks.

Those three performances prompted a demotion to the minors to rework his delivery. A September return to the Tigers only resulted in more of the same. In 12.2 innings pitched, Willis allowed 12 earned runs and walked 14 batters. For the season the Tigers won just two of the eight games he appeared in.

Everyone wondered how a pitcher as good as and as hard working as Willis could possibly be washed up at the age of 26. Was it his mechanics? Was it the the pressure of the 29 million dollar contract from Detroit? Was he just washed up? Was it something else?

This spring Willis was put on the disabled list with an anxiety disorder. I don't know what caused it or how it's been treated but Willis says everything is good to go.

If last nights pitching performance is any indication then everything seems to be great.

There are many people rooting for Willis to make a comeback. As a matter of fact I don't think I've heard anyone say anything bad about Willis ever. From people that know him they all say he is a wonderful person and teammate.

A dominating Willis is a major gain for the Tigers and their quest to win the division.

I know I'm rooting for Willis to have a spectacular season one start at a time.