Justin Verlander needs more luck on his side – MLB Update
John Smoltz was one of the greats of the game. In his career best season, Smoltz pitched with great control and accuracy to notch 24 wins. The year after his 24 win season, Smoltz managed a mediocre 15-12 record.
In some ways, Tigers’ ace Justin Verlander’s career is following is similar pattern. The 2011 Most Valuable Player Award winner, Verlander had an absolutely great time on the mound last season when he had 24 wins and just five losses.
Although the fans had great expectations for Verlander this season, it seems very unlikely he will post similar or better results this year. In Detroit Tigers’ loss to New York Yankees at Comerica Park on Sunday evening, Verlander got the taste of what he can expect to face this year.
"There's a lot of luck that goes into baseball," said Smoltz, who had 24 win season in 1996. "I argued that my year after the 24-win season was a better year than when I won 24."
"A lot of components have to come together to have a special year," Smoltz said. "That's what makes it hard to have it four years in a row."
"Unfortunately, it counts (only) one run," Alex Rodriguez said after hitting a home run against Verlander. "Any run you can get off Verlander is always big."
Verlander started the season on a very bright note and he was 5-1 at one stage. After losing for the third straight time, he will be a bit nervous, eager to bounce back strongly. Without a shadow of doubt, the guy has the ability to single handedly win games for his team and he can certainly end the season with more than 15 wins, if Tigers’ offence and defense skills improve.
It may not be possible for Verlander to win 24 this year but with a bit more push, he could win 20. Smoltz argues that the year after his 24-win season was far more productive and better, although the stats do not reflect that. Baseball is a funny game.
The stats could be misleading some times. Starting pitchers have to rely on the relievers and closer to get wins for them. Verlander had all the support he needed from his team mates last year but this does not seem to be the case this season.
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