Tigers starter Verlander works on mechanics

by Steve Kornacki

Friday September 05, 2008, 11:00 PM

AP PhotoJustin Verlander is pulled by Jim Leyland in the second inning against the New York Yankees on Monday.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Justin Verlander realizes that numbers don't lie.

He was 35-15 with a 3.64 ERA for the Tigers in 2006 and 2007, and is 10-15 with a 4.74 ERA going into today's start here against the Twins.

"But being able to fight through negatives is a positive," Verlander said Friday, "and I am going to do that."

Verlander had his shortest stint in 93 big league starts the last time out, giving up eight runs (five earned) in 1 2/3 innings against the New York Yankees, and afterward said:

"I didn't feel very good and my control was erratic. The guy behind the plate (umpire Chuck Meriwether) had a tight (strike) zone. That happens. I don't feel it's unfair."

Detroit manager Jim Leyland called the comments about Meriwether "diversionary tactics" and wanted Verlander to be totally accountable for his performance. That message was delivered through the media, but this week the manager and pitcher had what both felt was a productive conversation about the matter.

"What was said, that's between me and him," Verlander said. "He told me what he thinks, and what he said is right to an extent. And I explained my side to him. There was no ill intent. I don't want to be babied. I can handle this."

Leyland noted that dealing with failure is something new for Verlander. When asked if he had past athletic failures that he dealt with, Verlander said, "Not really."

He watched videotape between starts with pitching coach Chuck Hernandez and bullpen coach Jeff Jones.

"We compared this year's starts to those of the last couple years to see if there was anything different in the delivery," Jones said. "We found some things, but nothing earth-shattering.

"We are looking for Justin to create the same down angle as he comes down on the mound, and to see that his lower body is on target long enough."

Verlander said he had a good bullpen session to work on those points, adding that work on mechanics for "muscle memory" must take place before changes carry over to the mound on game days.

"It's not going to be perfect," Verlander said, "but somewhere in between is a step in the right direction."

Cabrera comparison
Leyland says that first baseman Miguel Cabrera has characteristics that remind him of St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols, who was leading Chipper Jones for the National League batting crown with a .360 average.

Cabrera, 25, was hitting .290 entering Friday night's game. He hit .313 in five years with the Florida Marlins, with .339 in 2006 being his best. What might Cabrera hit in the future?

"About .330," Leyland said. "He won't get many leg hits. But he's special."

Guillen stays home
Leyland said third baseman Carlos Guillen (back spasms and pinched nerve) remained in Detroit for baseball workouts rather than travel here because the artificial turf "is not good to move around on." He still hoped Guillen can play by Monday, but added, "Being able to perform will be another matter." Guillen last played on Aug. 25.

Eight make debuts
The eight major league debuts by Tigers this year are the most since 12 did so in 2002. Eddie Bonine, Freddy Dolsi, Michael Hollimon, Matt Joyce, Chris Lambert, Jeff Larish, Dusty Ryan and Clete Thomas all broke in with Detroit this year. Fernando Rodney and Ramon Santiago are the only members of that 2002 class still with the Tigers.