For the past few seasons, I've watched and read both the media & fans place Justin Verlander on a pedestal. But it wasn't until he manhandled the Oakland Athletics in October that I truly learned to appreciate his ability to dominate hitters.
I immediately wanted to add a rookie card of his to my collection, which is out of character for me. I'm usually tracking down 80's OPC rookies or low grade 70's Topps rookies... not guys currently on Beckett's Hot List.
However after watching Verlander's performance, I felt that there was a void in my PC. I can proudly say that the void has now been filled by this recent eBay purchase:
2005 Topps Turkey Red #272
2005 Topps #677
They're not exactly high end cards, but they scratched my itch for less than the price of a Trenta Cool Lime Refresher from Starbucks.
Anyways... I know it's the offseason, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts on today's pitching greats:
If you were the general manager of your favorite team and had the opportunity to pick any pitcher to be your "ace", who would it be?
Happy Wednesday and sayonara!
12 comments:
King Felix, no question.
I would go with Verlander, definitely.
I would stick with Kershaw. He can swing the bat a little as well as dominate on the mound.
Buehrle. Sorry, but the guy can crank through innings and is a fighter on the mound. He may not be dominating like others, but he throws a great sub 2 hour game.
I am biased towards Matt Cain but if I am being 100% honest with myself I would have to go with Verlander too.
I would go with Verlander all the way. He's a guy that's going to stand the test of time.
If we're talking the next 3-5 years, I'm taking Verlander. He chews up innings like crazy.
If we're talking the next 10 years, I'm taking Strasburg. He's got the nastiest stuff on the planet and he's young.
Good call... the guy is in his mid 20's and always is in the running for the Cy Young. Can you imagine if he actually had some run support?
Completely forgot about Clayton... this guy is a beast as well.
I like Buehrle... but not sure I'd pick him over some of the other pitchers who are currently in their prime. On the flipside, you might have the right idea... since he'd make an excellent mentor to younger pitchers.
Cain is the man! Not a Giants fan, but I get to watch him all the time. Before 2012 I don't know any other pitcher who received less run support... yet he always goes out without whining and does his thing.
Yeah... I'm looking forward to watching Strasburg develop into the league's best.
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