The Return of Justin Verlander

June 6, 2009

Long-time readers will note that before the 2008 season, I predicted that former 2004 1st round draft pick Justin Verlander would make a run at the AL Cy Young Award.  Looking back at both historical performance and circumstance, the prediction (though entirely wrong) was not without justification.  After all, JV had been entering his third full season as a big leaguer, and had proven more unhittable in his sophomore season than he was in his freshman year (opponents hit just .233 in ‘07 as opposed to .266 in ‘06).  Add to that, the fact that Detroit swapped Cameron Maybin and a collection of top flight prospects in exchange for Miggy and D-Train and all the pieces were in place for a quality season for Justin Verlander. 

JV must have gotten that memo a year late – because 2008’s 11-17 performance, 4.84 ERA and 1.40 WHIP was far from praiseworthy.  But, it appears Verlander just needed some more time to mature, because thus far in ‘09 Verlander has taken the AL Central by storm.  With a 6-2 record, 3.26 ERA, diminutive 1.14 WHIP, and 97 whiffs in 77 innings, Justin Verlander appears to be finding his groove once again.  At the moment, AL Cy honors are Zack Greinke’s to lose (8-2 record with a 1.55 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 91 K’s).  But, don’t count Justin Verlander out just yet.  He has the raw “stuff” and offensive backing to make a run for the award in ‘09. 

A note to astute Fantasy GM’s – I once asked, “would the real Justin Verlander please stand up?!”  Well, the real Justin Verlander may just be standing up right now.  Have you taken notice?

Written by Russell Sandman · Filed Under Player News | Leave a Comment 

h2h Corner ~ Back to the Future, Next week’s h2h Preview

June 6, 2009

It’s been awhile since I jumped into the DeLorean to tackle how players will perform in the week to come. There was my five-year college reunion and then Memorial Day, which I spent in the company of great friends at a truly awesome wedding. Read more

Written by Albert Lang · Filed Under H2H | Leave a Comment