2012 American League All Star Selections: Detroit Tigers’ Justin Verlander
It is easy to see why Detroit Tigers’ Justin Verlander was the fans’ Top Choice for the All Star Game in Kansas City. Verlander has been Tigers’ trump card for the last few years. Not only is he strong and skilful, he has an excellent ability to come up
with his best in pressure situations.
Verlander, who won the American Most Valuable Player and Cy Young Award last season, is extremely happy on his selection for the upcoming Midseason classic. Verlander finished first on the pitchers’ voting list with 258 votes and it will be interesting to
see if he can live up to his fans’ expectations in the game on Tuesday, July 10.
"Obviously right now, I'm pretty excited about it," he said. "Actually sitting here just looking over the lineup thinking about how I'm going to pitch these guys."
In a display of complete dominance, Verlander posted one of the finest seasons of his career the past year. His 250 strike-outs, 2.40 ERA and 24-5 won him the Pitching Triple Crown Award. Although he will find it difficult to finish with similar stats this
season, he has pitched with same control and accuracy in the first half.
“I can’t wait to see if I’m booed or cheered,” Verlander said. “It’s Kansas City, a division rival.”
“They certainly are deserving,” said Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland, “but so are other people.”
The All Star Game will be a test of nerves and characteristics for Tigers’ starting pitcher and considering his track record, he is likely to put up a solid show. Right now, he is 9-5 with a decent 2.58 ERA and for the first time we have an American League
starter who has won MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year.
National League won 5-1 convincingly in last year’s All Star Game and it will be interesting to see if Verlander can help the American League team prevail this time around.
Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland, on the other hand, will be expecting his star pitcher to continue his good work after the All Star Break to lead to the Tigers to their second straight AL Central title. The fans will be excited to see Verlander on the mound
during the All-Star Game.
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