Justin Verlander looking solid ahead of 2012 regular season – MLB Spring Training
Justin Verlander was the most successful pitcher in American League last season. In a display of some high quality pitching skills, Verlander earned 269 strikeouts, 24 wins and an incredible 2.40 ERA to win his first Pitching Triple Crown Award in 2011. For his consistent performances, the right handed starter was also presented with the American League Most Valuable Player award and Cy Young Award during that season.
When Verlander posted a poor 11-17 win-loss record in 2008, not many of us thought that he would achieve such heights in his career. For Verlander, practice and hard work is more important than anything else. He does not see any difference between the pitcher who looked distracted in 2008 and the current Verlander. Despite breaking all sorts of records last season, Verlander started his pre spring training before anyone else.
"He’s pretty impressive. He’s worth the price of admission. I’ve never had a starting pitcher who can throw 99 in the ninth inning. This guy is a real keeper. He's the real deal," Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland stated in an interview.
"He’s a great pitcher, he really is. He’s got more than average stuff. The more you are in the big leagues, the more you come to grips with how things are up here and the more you settle down and learn how to actually pitch. He’s starting to do that right now, a little earlier than most people expected."
Undoubtedly, he has some extra ordinary match winning skills but what makes him a special for Detroit Tigers is his ability to play his natural game with confidence even in pressure situations. Confidence is what Verlander relies on heavily as it is a part of his game.
In a Grapefruit League game against Atlanta Braves, Verlander put up another solid show as he allowed just two runs and four hits in five innings. Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland has also liked what he is seen from Verlander so far this spring. It will be interesting to see if the guy can continue his sensational form in 2012 to help the Tigers reach World Series finals.
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