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After a slow start to commence the season, Justin Verlander is starting to show shades of the JV we all came to adore back in 2006, his first full year in the majors.
This year's 1-2 start in the month of April came as a shock to many fans as they were accustomed to seeing the right-handed flamethrower pitching well, especially coming off of a 19-9 season. His 2009 ERA, in fact, had been the lowest of his career at 3.45.
Verlander's strikeout ratio is at his career average here in the 2010 season, which is about eight K's per nine innings.
The Tiger's desperately need Verlander to perform at his best. If he doesn't, and has a performance like the one he did in 2008, the ballclub doesn't stand a chance against their AL Central counterparts.
His current record of 7-4, accompanied by an ERA of 3.56 may aid the team into the direction of October baseball. Still, Verlander absolutely has to perform at his best for the team to have a shot at a World Series ring.
If Verlander continues pitching well, could the Tigers return to the World Series?
