Verlander Records First Shutout

His K rate is a bit low for a would-be ace. Is it expected to improve?

He's gonna be good. I have to imagine his k-rate will get bettet. It was very good in the minors.

If he's that good without many K's, imagine what his ERA would be with a lot of K's.

I picked him up for his 2 starts this week. That was a good way to start the week.

Kazmir vs. Verlander for the AL Cy Young. Who would have called that?

You could definitely make the argument he is the 2nd best pitching prospect in the game behind Liriano.

I saw him shut down the Rangers in his first major league start. He is a prolific young pitcher. He is gonna give Papelbon a run for his money in the AL Rookie of the Year race. It's too bad - I wanted so badly for it to be Ian Kinsler.

For the two that gave me negative votes, is there someone else you think is the 2nd best pitching prospect in the game or do you just like to vote negatives without a reason?

Maybe it's just my limited view of middle relievers, but I have a hard time considering a middle reliever on the same level as a closer or a starter. I can't deny Liriano's stuff or his numbers, but I've seen too many pitchers that are great in setup roles, but can't seem to make substantial contributions in the more important roles of starter or closer.

That's legitimate. However, Liriano has been promoted to the starting rotation so I guess we will find out if he can make it as a starter.

Indeed. Well, that gives me a reason to watch the Twins.

its always fun to watch Johan

"If he's that good without many K's, imagine what his ERA would be with a lot of K's." Doesn't work that way. If his K-Rate doesn't go up soon, his ERA will.

"Maybe it's just my limited view of middle relievers, but I have a hard time considering a middle reliever on the same level as a closer or a starter. I can't deny Liriano's stuff or his numbers, but I've seen too many pitchers that are great in setup roles, but can't seem to make substantial contributions in the more important roles of starter or closer." Liriano was a fantastic starting prospect in minors. He is not a "middle reliever," but, like Johan Santana, was used in middle relief to ease his arm into the rotation.