You probably already know this, and if by chance this is the first you are hearing about it, you could have guessed it.
Dontrelle is scheduled to be the Marlins starting pitcher on opening day.
"Of course I'm surprised," Willis said. "I'm excited. I wanted it, but that doesn't mean I'll have it next year. You never want to assume anything in this game."
Knock me over with a feather. </sarcasm>
What did surprise me a little is the way the rest of rotation will lineup after Willis.
Gonzalez said he preferred to have Willis and Olsen back-to-back so each would receive starts in three of the Marlins' first four series: against division rivals Washington, Philadelphia and Atlanta.
''I think those are the two guys we need to get us going,'' Gonzalez said.
No argument that those two guys can get us going but it was a tad bit surprising that the two lefties are back-to-back. I do understand why Fredi would want them to face the division rivals as often as possible since our divisional foes suck at hitting left-handed pitching. Well, with the exception of the Nats.
While one rain out will screw all this planning up, and we do play in South Florida, it is worth a shot.
The Marlins will go with a four-man rotation at least until April 10th due to off days. After that, the fifth starter will be incorporated into the lineup. The best guess at this point it will either be Mitre or Petit. My money is on Mitre and the extra time should be enough to allow him to build arm strength.
The manager has set the rotation and opening day is less than two weeks away - folks, the fun is about to begin!