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Justin Verlander Strong In Opening Day Start

Published: 5th Apr 12 8:38 pm
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Daniel Canova
Daniel Canova
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Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

The reigning CY Young and MVP winner went up against the big boys from Boston earlier this afternoon, and he didn’t disappoint.

Verlander went 8 strong innings, striking out 7 batters and only allowing 2 hits.  Verlander was pulled after the 8th inning for closer, Jose Valverde who blew a 2-0 lead in the 9th inning.  Because Valverde was unable to close the game out, Verlander did not pick up his first win of the 2012 MLB Season.

Justin Verlander started off his 2012 campaign on the right foot, proving why he should have been the MVP a year ago.  Even though he didn’t get the win today at home against Boston, Verlander shut down arguably one of the best lineups in all of baseball.  I also believe Verlander will win his second CY Young this season.  Here’s why.

After throwing for a no-hitter one year ago against the Toronto Blue Jays, Verlander seemed to change his style of pitching.  As a game goes on, he seems to get stronger.  As a season goes on, he seems to get stronger.

Try hitting his 98 mph fastball, and then adjusting to an 83 mph change-up.

Verlander has the ability to mix up pitches in a variety of different counts to confuse his oppositions.  Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Tim Lincecum, and Clayton Kershaw are other CY Young candidates this year, but there abilities’ to throw a fastball like Verlander is not even close.  If Verlander continues to progress from last year, like he says he needs too, he will be unstoppable.  If a CY Young winner who wins 24 games has an ERA of 2.4 with 250 strikeouts needs to get better, I can’t wait to see what he will bring to the table this season.

Wow.

 

follow Dan on Twitter @DanCanova

 

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