Willis signs contract extension with Detroit

DETROIT (Reuters) - Pitcher Dontrelle Willis and the Detroit Tigers agreed to a three-year $29 million contract extension on Thursday.

Willis and third baseman Miguel Cabrera joined Detroit earlier in December in a blockbuster eight-player deal with the Florida Marlins.

"This is the most nervous I have ever been in my life," said Willis. "I'm definitely eager to get out here and join an already great ball club and do the best I can to hopefully bring a World Series championship to the club.

"This is an opportunity I never could've dreamt of."

The 2003 National League rookie of the year, Willis struggled early last season posting a career worst 10-15 record, but in 2005 led the major leagues with a 22-10 record.

The 25-year-old lefthander was an All Star in 2003 and 2005 and has a career record of 68-54 with a 3.78 ERA.

Willis joins an imposing Detroit starting rotation that includes Justin Verlander, Kenny Rogers and Jeremy Bonderman.

"They've shown a lot of love to take a chance and even offer me a deal," said Willis, who according to media reports can earn another $1.5 million in bonuses.

"It shows how much respect they have for me and my abilities.

"I'm going to do everything I can to not only win a championship but uphold this team and make them proud."

(Writing by Steve Keating; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)