Justin Verlander Thinks He Can Do Better Than Last Year

Last season Justin Verlander became the first pitcher to win the American League Most Valuable Player since Dennis Eckersley in 1992, but he told The New York Times he thinks he can do more.

“My goal is to be a better pitcher,” Verlander said “And it’s very possible I could be a better pitcher and still not have numbers as good as last year. I’m just trying to pitch to the best of my ability, and the best way to one-up last year is to win the World Series.”

Despite a dominating performance in which Verlander claimed the American League pitching Triple Crown, the Tigers failed to advance past the American League Championship series. The squad ultimately lost to the Texas Rangers in six games. The team has improved offensively in 2012, however, adding arguably the biggest free-agent bat in Prince Fielder.