Dontrelle Willis' struggles a deeper concern for Detroit Tigers

The struggling Tigers' pitching staff was hoping for a boost by the return of Dontrelle Willis on June 3rd against Oakland. The now struggling AND depleted Tigers staff, due to the loss of Jeremy Bonderman for the year, have only more questions after Willis' second start.

Entering the game with 16 walks in 10 innings, five of which came against Oakland last week, Willis was still not able to find the plate. This outing against the division rival Indians looked scary from the start, and was finished about as fast as it began. When Willis' night was done, he yet again yielded five base-on-balls in just over an inning's worth of work. 

Cleveland batters who were not given a free pass by Willis were keying in on his fast ball, the only pitch he could get relatively close to the strike zone. These would-be strikes ended up being unappreciated souvenirs to Tigers' faithful in the outfield stands. And eight earned runs was not the worst of it. The look in Willis' eyes and the eyes of manager Jim Leyland spoke much louder than the scoreboard.

Many questions arose within the Tigers' loyalty, wondering if they brought him back too fast. Maybe he's still hurt. Maybe he wants to prove himself, but hasn't repaired himself. Maybe he is just fine physically, but mentally can't get past a rough start to the '08 season. Maybe...he just needs more time to get command of his mechanics.

The only one who can help Willis is Jim Leyland. Give Willis some time. Whatever time he needs to perfect his mechanics and consistently pitch with a polished form. With pitching coach Chuck Hernandez already with his hands full patching together a weak staff, maybe some time away from Detroit for the former 22-game winner would help. 

If it takes losing Willis to the minors for the entire season, breaking him down and building him back up again, then so be it. Time to correct a career-threatening mechanical problem may be better for Detroit and Willis for the long term. Giving this kid the kind of attention and patience an organization would a young prospect might be just what the doctor ordered.

Besides, Willis is a great kid from what everyone around him says, with incredible talent, and if he receives support and reassurance from the top down, he should dominate once again. Who knows, maybe he'll be ready for a late season playoff run. But then again who would care at that point? The way the Tigers are hitting, they won't be anywhere near a postseason discussion.