Verlander has two fastballs, one around 91 to 93 m.p.h and another around 98 m.p.h to 100 m.p.h. That is very unique. This guy has basically two change ups, one at 92 m.p.h and one at 83 m.p.h. It is bothersome to watch a continue 95 m.p.h fastball during the whole game when he could do so much more. There can only be one Jack right?

Considering what guys like Robertson and Willis have done to earn their money, I would say Verlander is worth every penny even if he only wins 11 games again.

I never understand those contracts and you can throw Gary in their too. Why would the Tiger brass waste their payroll on #5 starters and a player that also get hurt a lot. This is a real crime that has happen, look at the free agency market. You might be able now to pick up Abreu for 8 million a year or Dunn for even less. This would help solve the left handed batting problem. Apparantly they did not learn anything from the 06 series. Tiger brass biggest problem is they fail to learn economics. They should have saw the U.S economy back in 07 was going to be in bad shape going forward and for sure saw the Michigan economy was in trouble. GM has been in trouble for years.

I honestly didn’t have a problem with the Sheffield signing at the time; I understood what the Tigers were trying to do. But along the way, Sheff got hurt and has never been the same player. Now the Tigers have little choice but to keep him or release him and pay the bulk of his salary.

If the Tigers didn’t want to pay Verlander $4 million a year, I can’t see why they would be interested in Abreu or Dunn. Both probably have something left in the tank, but are definitely on the down sides of their careers. Would just end up being another Sheffield IMO.

I never like Sheffield deal because they needed a left handed bat at that time and Sheffield always got hurt throughout his career. What I was saying about Dunn or Abreu is if didn’t have Gary on the payroll than they could offer one to two year contract to them.

That’s a good point Barry, but would an Abreu or a Dunn be in place of Sheffield, or would you need to find a spot for them in an already crowded OF?

If Abreu and Dunn had been free agents at the same time that Sheffield signed, your point would be more valid. I guess I believe less in the whole righty vs lefty hitter for your lineup topic. If a guy can hit, a guy can hit, no matter the pitcher.