(Kirthman F. Dozier/DFP)
First, we’ll start out with the good news: The weather will warm up soon enough. Yeah, it’s been that kind of two game stretch. It’s early, I keep telling myself. It’s early.
While Justin Verlander threw more pitches in two innings in his second appearance of the season against the Pirates than he did
his whole spring training campaign, the Tiger play-by-play team of Dan Dickerson & Jim Price tried their best to sell us on the idea
that Verlander has returned to ace form.
If today’s form was ace like, 2016 is going to be a long season. But, it is early. The biggest problem Verlander has is … well … himself.
Gone is the 99mph fastball, 72 mph curveball combination that sent many a hitter to peepee city. Sure, his curveball is still there, and
his slider has really improved. But, Verlander is still in the mindset that he’s a fireballer.
Take for instance the second inning of today’s game. The first inning was decent. He gave up a run, but that happens. Whatever. He was sprinkling in his slider to compliment his fastball that was at times touching 94.
In the second inning, long count after long count created desperation, and Verlander totally abandoned the slider. Fastball after fastball after fastball, and Jody Mercer does what any major league hitter can do: Foul off mediocre fastballs. After a nine pitch sequence, Verlander throws the slider, which is deposited into centerfield for a two-run single.
For Verlander to remain effective, he’s going to have to curb the stubbornness.
The Pirates offense scattered seventeen hits on the day, beating Detroit 7-4. The Tigers fall to 3-2 on the season. JD Martinez and Nick Castellanos each homered for Detroit.
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