Detroit Tigers: 5 Reasons Justin Verlander Is the Best Pitcher in Tigers History

The Detroit Tigers have a rich and proud history, and one that is full of some of the best players to ever play the game. 

Hal Newhouser, Denny McLain, Mickey Lolich and Tommy Bridges have all put up amazing numbers and have had incredible seasons wearing the old English D. However, there is one starting pitcher currently in the Tigers' starting rotation attempting to make his case as the best pitcher in Tigers history.

At the age of 28, Justin Verlander is hitting his stride and quickly becoming the most feared pitcher in the league. Here are five reasons why that will continue and catapult Verlander to becoming the best pitcher in franchise history.

5. Age

He may be young, but Justin Verlander knows what he wants. There is no question that he works tirelessly to be the best.

He is well on his way.

Verlander had his best season in the majors, which includes a 2.40 ERA (career best), a .192 opposing batting average (career best) and 250 strikeouts. 

Verlander has not even hit 30 yet and is already the best pitcher playing the game. Not only did he win the AL Cy Young, but he also won the MVP award. While many fans will be expecting Verlander to continue his dominance, no one expects more than Verlander himself.

Look for Verlander to improve on an already amazing 2011 season in ways most fans never thought possible. 

4. Belief in the Tigers

The best thing about having a player of Verlander's caliber in Detroit is not his ability. It is the belief he has in the Tigers, the fans and the city of Detroit.

After signing his contract extension before the 2011 season began, Verlander made his intentions known to ESPN reporter Buster Olney. 

"It's fun to think about, but why risk anything else if you know this is where you want to play baseball? And, I certainly don't plan on my career being over in five years."

Not only this, but Verlander has shown his love for Detroit in many ways. Recently, he used his Twitter account to thank fans for their support during his MVP race. Upon thanking them, he ended his tweets with the hash tag #DetroitPride. 

The belief in his teammates and Detroit will help Verlander and the Tigers continue their dominance for years to come.

3. Teammates

In order to put up great numbers and win games, the supporting cast behind a pitcher needs to be great, both offensively and defensively.

Luckily for Verlander, he has the best of both worlds.

The Tigers have one of the most potent lineups in the league, anchored by the bats of Brennan Boesch, Delmon Young, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta. While their defense is not the best in the league, they play well enough to get the job done and secure wins.

With the recent signing of Octavio Dotel, the Tigers bullpen, which already includes a revitalized Joaquin Benoit and the AL's best closer in Jose Valverde, looks to be ready to secure some big wins for Verlander during the 2011 season. 

2. Attitude

While some may see it as cocky, Detroit fans and players see it as confidence.

There is no question that Verlander has the ability to throw a no-hitter each and every time he takes the mound. Well, Verlander believes that too.

" 'I feel like I'm coming into myself,' he said. Whether he capitalizes on his self-discovery and becomes an all-timer, he said, 'has yet to be seen.' But he has designs. 'There is no secret where I want to be when I finish,' he said. 'I want to separate myself.' His second no-hitter put him on that path. Now he wants more. How many? 'Seven...' "

If believing is the key to succeeding, then Justin Verlander is one his way to a historic career.  His confidence will take him a long way in this league, and it will most likely end with a Hall of Fame induction in the future.

1. The Numbers

Over the past three years, Verlander's statistics have continued to improve.

He improved on his 3.45 ERA from two seasons ago with a 2.40 ERA during the 2011 season. This was also the first season where he held opposing hitters under a .200 batting average.  While these are all great numbers, he also managed to pitch the most innings he ever has in a season, which totaled 251 innings. Verlander also lowered his base on balls total to 57, which is a career low. 

Finally, he managed to strikeout 250 hitters, and this is only 19 less than his career high.

If these numbers tell us anything, it is that Verlander's dominance is only going to continue.  His heralded offseason work ethic allows him to get an edge, both physically and mentally, on all of his opponents. 

Justin Verlander has the tools to become one of the best pitchers that MLB has ever seen.  Therefore, it is hard to argue that he is the best pitcher in franchise history.