You could make the argument that 2011 was the year of the pitcher.

It had been almost 20 years since a pitcher won the MVP award and it had become such taboo that few thought it would happen again. But when Justin Verlander goes off and sweeps the pitching triple crown, you have to start re-evaluating yourself. The righty won 24 games with a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts to lead the Detroit Tigers to their first playoff berth since 2006.

Not only did he reopen the conversation on a pitcher’s worth, but he makes 2012 a really interesting year for hurlers. In 2011, Verlander won 24 games, most of any pitcher since 2002, followed by Ian Kennedy and Clayton Kershaw’s 21. It was the first time in three years that many pitchers got to 20 games in a season. Continue reading →