The Tigers have the American League Central title all but wrapped up at this stage, but tonight's start against the White Sox will be, nonetheless, an important one for Justin Verlander.
His shot at becoming the first starting pitcher since 1986 to win the American League MVP Award remains at stake.
Remember, no starting pitcher has been in the Top 10 in voting since 2006 when Johan Santana was seventh for the Twins, and no starting pitcher has been in the Top 3 since Pedro Martinez in 1999. Verlander must be far above the norm at the end of this season get a legitimate shot at MVP.
I think:
- He needs to get to 24 victories.
- He must keep his ERA under 2.50.
- All his final numbers must remain sky-high.
Regardless, voters should remember that Verlander did win an awful lot of games after Tigers losses, and when it wasn't going well for the club. Without him, the late-season streak that has turned the AL Central race into a rout would not have been possible.
There is no clear-cut MVP candidate among position players. Curtis Granderson, Adrian Gonzalez and Jose Bautista all have strong points, but a few holes, too. Miguel Cabrera, in my opinion, has had a season to equal any of them overall.
Winning the MVP would also be a strong point for Verlander should he put together a Hall of Fame caliber career. It would definitely be a factor in his favor that would set him apart from virtually any other pitcher from his generation - at least to this point.