Justin Verlander wants the Tigers to perform under pressure – MLB News
Justin Verlander, the Detroit Tigers’ ace, is looking confident ahead of 2012 spring training season. Verlander displayed some high quality throwing skills to help the Tigers win the American League Central division title last season.
Showing great composure and mental toughness, the right handed striker had a career best season last year as he struck-out 250 batters with an amazing 2.40 ERA and 24 wins.
For his superb performances, Verlander was named the AL Most Valuable Player of the season. Since making his Major League Baseball debut, Verlander has improved his game play significantly to become one of most expensive players in the game.
In an interview with a leading sports website, Verlander stated that the Tigers have prepared well to defend their AL title this season. Although Jim Leyland and his men were outclassed by Texas Rangers in the playoffs, Verlander thinks the Tigers will perform better this year as they are stronger than ever before.
"You look at teams like the Yankees and you see the way they play in the postseason -- it's somewhat like the regular season for them, they've done it so many times," he said. "And I really think it was beneficial for us having gone to the postseason last year and hopefully it carries over, and you don't have nerves and you just go out there and play.”
"You've got to be careful," he said. "I look back on 2008, when everyone said we were going to be the best team on the planet and it didn't pan out that way.”
Last week, the Tigers announced that their designated hitter Victor Martinez is likely to miss the entire next season due to a serious knee problem. Commenting on Martinez’s injury, Verlander said the Tigers are certainly going to miss him but they won’t let the situation effect their training and preparation for the season. Martinez has already started his workouts and he will be looking to get back into the side as early as possible.
However, the Tigers will to have to be careful. They should stay confident to achieve their desired goals. If they took anything for granted, they will have to pay a heavy price for it.
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