One of the top stories in 2003 has been the emergence of Dontrelle, who went from Class-A ball in 2002 to the major league All-Star game this year. The "D-Train" was called up from Double-A on May 9th, after going 4-0 for the Carolina Mudcats. After going 1-1 in his first three starts, Dontrelle ripped off seven consecutive victories on his way to winning eight straight decisions.

The 6-foot-4 lefty has an unusual delivery that evokes comparisons to former MVP Vida Blue. During his windup, Dontrelle looks skyward, arches his back and delivers the ball amidst flailing arms and legs. Once the batter picks up the ball, he has to deal with Dontrelle's magnificent stuff, which includes a mid-90's fastball, slider and change. To round out his impressive package, he also has outstanding control for a young lefty.

An eighth-round draft pick of the Cubs in 2000, Dontrelle was a two-time minor league All-Star. He was traded to the Marlins as part of the Antonio Alfonseca/Matt Clement deal in the spring of 2002. In his brief minor league career, Dontrelle posted a remarkable 27-5 record.

--BigLeaguers.com