Jose Valverde looking focused ahead of 2012 season – MLB Detroit Tigers News
Detroit Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland is convinced that his team is capable enough to win the World Series title in the upcoming season. The Tigers disappointed their fans big time in 2011 playoffs. Despite winning the American League Central division title
comprehensively, they failed to live up to the expectations in the post season last year.
Tigers’ owner Mike Ilitch has a very inspiring personality. He wants his club to secure the World Series title in 2012 to win back fans’ hearts. Spending money lavishly on his desired players, Ilitch has powered Tigers’ hitting line up with the likes of
Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Brennan Boesch.
In the pitching department, the Tigers will be relying heavily on Justin Verlander, who was the American League Most Valuable Player last season. Verlander’s incredible 24-5 win-loss record with 250 strikeouts helped the Tigers win important encounters in
2011.
The winner pitching Triple Crown award, Verlander will be assisted by Jose Valverde to form a solid pitching attack for the Tigers. The right handed reliever displayed some high quality throwing skills last season to make a name for himself. Pitching with
great control and accuracy, he saved 49 games in as many chances.
According to sources, Valverde has already started to train for the upcoming season. In an interview with a leading sports website, the closer stated that he has made several changes to his throwing technique to develop a patented pause, which will make
it difficult for the batters to see what he is delivering.
"It's over already," Valverde said of the season in which he saved 49 games in 49 chances. "I have to figure what I have to do this year. Now it's spring training. I have to work on what I can throw in the season ahead of me -- my sinker and split-finger."
"He's really a pitchers' version of Cabrera," Leyland said. "He loves playing. He loves pitching. He's just got one of those personalities that makes you happy."
The guy is one of those players who are motivated by their love for the game. The upcoming season will be very crucial for him. If he can perform consistently, he will have a chance to earn a huge pay cheque.
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