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2009 Tiger of the Year: Justin Verlander
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(AP) Verlander is the Examiner 2009 Tiger of the Year.
The numbers were hard to ignore; career bests across the board. When the Tigers needed a big win, he stepped on the rubber and more times than not--he delivered.
Never has there been an easier award to decide on than my endorsement of Justin Verlander for the 2009 Tiger of the Year.
A 19-9 record, 3.45 ERA and a Major League Baseball best 269 strikeouts seemed like a long shot after the way Verlander opened the year. Verlander started '09 in horrendous fashion, going 0-2 with an ERA of 9.00 in over his first four starts in April. Then came the April 27 start at Comerica Park against the Yankees.
Seven scoreless innings. More strikeouts (nine) than hits allowed (seven). Verlander was back.
Verlander used the start against New York to springboard into May, where he went 5-0 in his six starts and had a 1.52 ERA. His performance earned him AL Pitcher of the month honors for the month.
With a 10-4 record at the break, Verlander was rewarded with his second trip to the All-Star game/ Verlander went on to win
His April aside, Verlander posted a winning record every month, and only once had a monthly ERA north of 4.00. He won his last three starts of the season, going at least seven innings in each; never allowing more than four runs.
Verlander needed a win in his last outing over the rival Chicago White Sox to keep Detroit's playoff hopes alive. Verlander went 7.2 innings, allowing three runs in a 5-3 victory in the Tigers last game at Comerica Park in 2009.
For more info: Follow Detroit Tiger Examiner Randall Castro on Twitteror contact by e-mail at randall.p.castro@gmail.com
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