Baseball, at times, gets overloaded with statistics, and facts and figures. It is to the point where many are rendered meaningless. But I don’t feel that way about the facts the Associated Press recently dug up about Justin Verlander.
According to the AP, he is the first pitcher in history to throw a no-hitter, pitch in the All Star game and the World Series, along with being named Rookie of the Year, during his first two seasons.
That, and fact he has compiled a 35-15 record his first two full seasons, is very impressive. There is no issue about who the Tigers opening starter should be. It is going to be Verlander. He is without question the staff ace. He earned that distinction last season by closing strong after a lull following the all star break.
Verlander throws so hard, has such good command of his off speed pitches and is such an extraordinary athlete, I do wonder if he has just scratched the surface. I think on a national scale, he hasn’t garnered the hype of some other pitchers, but I’d take him over the likes Johan Santana, C.C. Sabathia, Jake Peavy and Brandon Webb. The only starting pitchers I think might be better are Josh Beckett and Roy Halladay.

Random Thoughts

- Who is the better player, Shaquille O’Neal or Rasheed Wallace? Call me crazy, but I’d take Wallace. As for why, just look at the game tape from Sunday’s Pistons’ game at Phoenix. The game has changed. A big man like Shaq doesn’t have the value he once did. Versatile big men such as Wallace are more valuable.

- Yeah, if I were the Red Wings, I’d be concerned about scoring goals - especially from the second line. It’s why they might be wise to bite the bullet and pay more than they wanted for a front line scorer at the trade deadline.