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Next two months when Justin Verlander often at his best
With Justin Verlander, everything is relative. If it were merely about being a good pitcher, the expectations wouldn't be so high. Verlander is supposed to be great because he is a special talent.
He lived up to them Sunday night. The Tigers were reeling. The Red Sox had been playing exceptionally well. Verlander was up against one of the better starting pitchers in baseball, Josh Beckett. Verlander shut the door on the Red Sox, winning a close game. He had lost a similar outing in Boston not long before.
What a great starter does, is provide impetus for the team. He stops losing streaks. He lets everyone know the bad times can't last that long because he is going to get the ball every fifth day.
Verlander did that Sunday.
In his career, Verlander has a combined record of 31-13 in June and July - the most critical time of the year for deciding which clubs are in the pennant race. He needs to continue that trend in order for the Tigers to move into position for the stretch run.
He lived up to them Sunday night. The Tigers were reeling. The Red Sox had been playing exceptionally well. Verlander was up against one of the better starting pitchers in baseball, Josh Beckett. Verlander shut the door on the Red Sox, winning a close game. He had lost a similar outing in Boston not long before.
What a great starter does, is provide impetus for the team. He stops losing streaks. He lets everyone know the bad times can't last that long because he is going to get the ball every fifth day.
Verlander did that Sunday.
In his career, Verlander has a combined record of 31-13 in June and July - the most critical time of the year for deciding which clubs are in the pennant race. He needs to continue that trend in order for the Tigers to move into position for the stretch run.
Labels: Justin Verlander
posted by Pat Caputo at
8:59 AM
6 Comments:
Pat, how did he fell to 2# overall in the 2004 draft? How do you pick a High School ss over a guy that can tune it up to 100 m.p.h.
I have little doubt in Verlander showing up for every game - it's the supporting cast in the line up and their ability to support Verlander's effort with runs - as well as a bullpen that can give him the security of knowing his lead will hold.
You can't expect shut outs or even 130 pitches from the guy to offset a lack of offense and / or keep the bullpen guys sitting through the 7th and 8th.
It was a relief (no pun intended) to see Beniot have a good inning yesterday.
And Big Poppy gave a lesson to Pappa not-so-Grande - as Miggy - what it means to carry a team.
That lesson needs to be learned.
Good stuff Book.
despite the .500 record, still like their playoff chances because the starting rotation has been so good. utterly dominant at times, with 8 team shutouts in 52 games leading all of MLB, including that acclaimed phillies rotation.
there are few guys that i'd choose over verlander to win one game...sabathia, halladay, lee, lincecum, josh johnson and maybe felix hernandez, jered weaver. so a top 10 ace imo.
he has the dominance, when he develops the consistency to join those elite 5 is anyone's guess, but it should happen.
Barry,
Verlander was just 21-18 in his college career at low profile program. It wasn't a no-brainer to take him 2nd overall. Tigers strongly consider Homer Bailey.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
Verlander has been consistent this year. Just one really bad start. Benoit pitching better could really help the Tigers immensely.
Caputo
Woody,
Big series this weekend for the Tigers in Chicago. White Sox are playing better. Will be interesting to see if Tigers can keep it up on the road.
Caputo
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