What is Wrong with Justin Verlander?

Justin Verlander just won his 11th game of the season. 11 wins is not unheard of for the former Cy Young and MVP winner. However, after this win  against the Twins, he is now back to .500, at 11-11. Not quite the numbers from a true number 1 ace of your staff. Not quite what one would expect from a reigning MVP pitcher. Since the creation of the Cy Young award in 1956, only 9 pitchers have won both the Cy Young award, and MVP. Mr. Verlander is one of these 9.

So, a 11-11 season is somewhat unexpected. Currently, according to FanGraphs, Mr. Verlander ranks 3rd in WAR for pitchers, 3rd amongst Detroit Tigers pitchers, and 42nd overall. That’s behind the likes of Tyson Ross of the Padres, and Dallas Keuchel of the Houston Astros. I’m not saying I could muster a single hit off either Mr. Ross or Mr. Keuchel.  I’m just saying, this is a little unexpected out of Mr. Justin Verlander. 11-11 is a far cry from his 24 – 5  record, and his 4.82 ERA is the highest it’s been in 6 years.

Something must be wrong with the fireball hurling right-hander, whom is not afraid to throw faster in the 7th, 8th, or 9th inning, compared to the 1st or 2nd inning. What could it be? We turn to you, or loyal fans for the answer. If the masses agree, then it must be right….right? Well, maybe not. At least we have a fun video to brighten your day.

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4 Comments

1. 

   Trey

   August 26, 2014 at 12:57 pm

   I actually saw this one coming. Verlander has relied on his fastball so much over his career. His 97-98 fastball made his 2nd and 3rd pitches that much more difficult to hit. Now that his speed has decreased over the last few years, hitters can look for other pitches. Verlander will need to learn to hit his spots at a higher rate if he wants to get back to the elite status. I just don’t see it happening. Roy Halladay 2.0

   Trey

   Reply
2. 

   Trey

   August 26, 2014 at 1:01 pm

   Also, if I was coming back to Kate Upton every night. Baseball would be the last thing on my mind.

   Trey

   Reply
   • 

     JW

     August 27, 2014 at 10:43 am

     Great points. Verlander’s drop in dominance could purely be coincidental as he gets older, and more “pitching millage” on his arm and body. Usually a drop in fastball velocity will have a direct correlation on drop in strike outs. So I do agree, Mr. Verlander is going to have to change his approach, and rely on his 2nd and 3rd pitches to possibly return to brilliance. The other stuff, his girl, his massive contract, are fun to talk about also.

     Look forward to more wonderful comments!

     Reply
3. 

   Norine

   September 4, 2014 at 10:15 am

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