| MLB Player Profile: Justin Verlander |
| By Sally Haase August 19, 2011 When the Detroit Tigers are in a losing streak, the one man they want to see take the mound is Justin Verlander. This season, when Verlander starts after a Tigers loss, he has taken a loss only three times. He is the definition of a stopper. Verlander has been the Ace of the Tigers rotation for several seasons now, even his rookie of the year award winning season of 2006 Verlander would have been considered the Ace of the staff. Now in 2011, after a string of three starts where he threw 15 and 2/3 no-hit innings, there is talk of Verlander not only winning the CY Young award but a serious candidate for the MVP of the American League. It’s rare but possible for Verlander to be the MVP, this season he has taken no-hitters into the eighth inning twice after he threw his second career no-hitter on May 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Verlander is the definition of a workhorse, Tigers manager Jim Leyland knows that he can pencil in Verlander for a very minimum of six innings and a most a complete game, giving the bullpen a night off, which is always appreciated by the relief pitchers. And don’t even worry about the pitch count when Verlander is on the mound, the man just seems to get stronger as the game goes on, especially if the opposing team gets a runner or two on base. Verlander seems to take that personally and will reach down deep to throw a 100 mph fastball to get the strike out he needs. Please prepare your CY Young award winning speech now Mr. Verlander because there is no question that you will be honored with the award come November. |
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