Yes

by Chris Burke

Created on: June 19, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

As I write this, Dontrelle Willis is still a member of the Tigers ... the Lakeland Tigers. After a disastrous start to the season, where he posted a 10.32 ERA in five big league appearances, the D-Train accepted an assignment to Class A ball in the hopes that he could straighten himself out.

The guy signed a 3-year, $29 million contract extension with the Motor City Kitties over the summer and now finds himself toiling away with recent draftees and career minor leaguers.

So, how in the world can I think that Willis will turn things around in Detroit?

Well, the biggest factor in that line of thinking is that Willis's problems in 2008 have started and ended with his control.

In 11.1 innings, spanning four starts and one bullpen appearance, Willis walked a staggering 21 batters. The plate could have been the size of Lake Michigan, and Dontrelle might have had trouble guiding a fastball over it.

Compare that to his days in Florida: His worst season, control-wise, came in 2007 when he issued 87 free passes in 205.1 innings. That number is not off the charts but, not surprisingly, that statistic coincides with Willis's worst season as a major leaguer.

As his control dipped in and out in 2007, National League batters found Willis increasingly hittable. Prior to last season, his highest year-long ERA was 4.02 in 2004; his 2007 ERA finished at 5.17.

Which brings us back to this year. Be it the move to Detroit, the shift to the American League, or a loss of confidence based on 2007's struggles, Willis has never found a comfort zone in 2008. He has been extremely wild and inconsistent, with his herky-jerky throwing motion creating more problems than it's solving.

Here's the thing, though: Control issues can be fixed.

That still holds true for a guy like Willis, who has a delivery unlike anyone else in the bigs, with more body movement than anyone else. And while that makes it more difficult to fix control problems, it does not make it impossible even though ESPN analyst Orel Hershiser, in Willis's last big league start this season (against Cleveland, 1.1 innings and eight runs allowed) called his mechanics "some of the worst he's ever seen."

But that's curable. It might take some time, but it can be done.

When that happens, Willis has a filthy arsenal to rely on. He has a plus fastball, which his delivery amplifies by hiding the ball for an extended period of time. So far, he has not been able to throw the heater for strikes, but when he does, it is top notch. Willis also mixes in a slider and change-up, both average pitches for him, but useful.

His problem thus far is that his fastball is uncontrollable meaning that he has to throw off-speed pitches for strikes from behind in the count. When big league hitters know that a change-up is coming right down the heart of the plate, there is little a pitcher can do.

All of that changes if Willis can rediscover his fastball. His success hinges entirely on it.

Sure, his confidence has probably taken a hit I mean, just a few years ago, this guy was the hottest new face in baseball, helping Florida come out of nowhere to win the World Series. Now, he is stuck in A ball.

There is something to be said, however, for his willingness to take a demotion to Class A. He could have declined and forced the Tigers to keep him on the big league roster; he is out of minor league options. Instead, Willis put his ego in check and opted to get better. That says a lot about his character, and his willingness to work the kinks out.

Eventually, he will start throwing that fastball for strikes this is a new issue that can be healed if Willis concentrates on toning down his wild motion, and listens to his coaches. Willis is not destined to be the next Rick Ankiel.

Willis will turn it around in Detroit. It will just take longer than everyone thought.

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