MLB Playoffs 2011: Tigers' Justin Verlander Must Lead Detroit over Texas Rangers

The Detroit Tigers seem to be a team of destiny, and now they are one step closer to their eventual goal and dream of winning the World Series.

After beating the Yankees in a decisive Game 5, they must now head over to Texas to play a powerful Rangers team.

That will be no easy task.

That's the problem with destiny: it usually ends up being more about what you do than what happens to you.

The Tigers didn't ride some magical aura of baseball to get to the postseason, so we can stop those thoughts right away.

The Tigers got to where they are because of a team attitude, a sly manager in Jim Leyland and tons of hard work.

They earned their way into the postseason, and they certainly earned their way past the Yankees.

Now it's time to hit the grindstone once more and pull out four more games to get to the World Series.

The Tigers have what it takes to beat the Rangers, but they need to go back to the source of their power.

Justin Verlander is the Detroit Tigers' power.

Sure, they have a batting order that can knock the ball around the park, and, yes, they have a phenomenal bullpen and a solid rotation.

But none of that means anything without Verlander.

He was so good in the regular season that many consider him to be a favorite for the AL MVP, which is almost unheard of for a pitcher.

He collected 24 wins, his second career no-hitter and led the Tigers to the division title for the first time since 1987.

There is no doubt that he is their workhorse, and there should be no doubt that he is their MVP—if not the league's.

The Tigers are going to have to lean on their ace if they want to beat the Rangers.

He is scheduled to pitch the first game of the series, and then only one more out of the potential seven, according to reports.

I wouldn't be surprised if Leyland went to him more than he plans on, though, especially if the series looks like it could be lost.

Verlander got them here, so if the Tigers want to continue moving forward in the MLB postseason, they are going to have to let him take them home.