Justin Verlander earns Tiger of the Year accolade
Justin Verlander was undoubtedly the best Detroit Tigers player in 2011. Even though Miguel Cabrera posted the highest batting average in the American League, it does not eliminate the fact that Verlander did something amazing. The Detroit chapter of the
Baseball Writers’ Association of America had a verdict to pass on Thursday, November 10. They announced Verlander as the 2011 Tiger of the Year.
Verlander became the second hurler in the last 25 years to clinch the award. The only other pitcher was Steve Sparks. The Chapter voted 25 – 1 in favour of the star. The other one vote was passed on Cabrera.
Verlander was exceptional in the regular season, this year. He posted the lowest earning runs average of 2.40 in the season for the Tigers since Mark Fidrych led the stats in 1976. The pitchers’ 24 – 5 standing in the season was the best after Mickey Lolich
wins’ tally in 1971. In fact no pitcher from the club had gone on to win 20 starts after Bill Gullickson in 1991.
For a pitcher who had a winning percentage of .828, Verlander had been barely hittable. His 250 strikeouts, 2.40 ERA and 24 – 5 tally was the best thing to happen to the Tigers’ road to the postseason.
"Looking back and seeing how the numbers stack up, even to be mentioned in that category, I know it doesn't measure up to some of them, it's still pretty special," Verlander said last week. "I think it'll be a season I remember for a long time."
Verlander has worked in his career and his efforts are starting to turn in some amazing results. While many baseball experts take a caution look at the 2011 Cy Young Award, there is a consensus grooming on Verlander’s performance this season.
"Obviously from a personal standpoint, it was an amazing year," Verlander said. "I worked extremely hard for this, and I told you guys a few times, if you expect greatness it shouldn't surprise you. I've always expected myself to be able to pitch this way."
While many critics are pointing out that Verlander will win the Cy Young award, there is a strong feeling that he may become the 2011 American League Most Valuable Player, as well.
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