Can Justin Verlander put better numbers than last year? – MLB Detroit Tigers News
Justin Verlander is one of the most effective pitchers in Major League Baseball right now. His 2011 season was a historic one as he made the most of available opportunities to let Detroit Tigers win the American League Central division title. Striking out
250 batters with an incredible ERA, he earned the American League Most Valuable Player Award. With 24 wins, 250 strikeouts and 2.40 ERA, he won the Pitching Triple Crown award, which is a rare feat for a modern day pitcher.
However, for Verlander, the MVP and Cy Young awards are not just honours but they are a source of motivation. The guy has a great desire to learn new tricks. Despite posting the most successful season of his career in 2011, he is still looking for ways to
improve his game play. Verlander knows that he has more responsibility on his shoulders than ever before. The fans and the coaches will be expecting high from him and it will not be easy for him to surpass those expectations.
"I've seen people let down and not do as well," Verlander said last week. "I don't want that to happen to me. If ever you think you're as good as you're gonna get, in my opinion, you've lost. If I have 10 seasons in a row like I had last year, I still think
I can get better."
"You're always fighting, trying to stay in that rhythm," he further added. "I know when I find it and I'm there, I'm going to be virtually unhittable."
While it may not be possible for the starter to achieve stats similar to those of last season, he can certainly become a better pitcher. If he can pitch on target with his usual control and accuracy, the stats will take care of themselves.
In some ways, Verlander was extremely lucky last season as he was assisted by the Tigers’ bullpen to help him finish all his dominant starts. If Verlander can stay healthy and fit for the entire next season, he will have a great chance to put up better numbers
this year. It will be interesting to see how durable and reliable he will be in 2012.
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