« Kevin Gregg Narrowing Choices | Main | Orlando Hudson Rumors: Tuesday »

Does Verlander Deserve More Than Felix?

The Tigers are "increasingly optimistic" about signing Justin Verlander to a long-term deal, reports Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.  Felix Hernandez's five-year, $78MM deal is being used for comparison, but Morosi feels Verlander might be aiming to top that with either a larger guarantee or a sixth year.  What's more, Morosi feels Verlander is justified in asking for more money than Felix.

Morosi appears to be using the simplistic arbitration hearing-type stats to make his case - wins, All-Star appearances, and even no-hitters.  But this is not a hearing decided by three baseball rubes.  Consider:

• Hernandez is almost three years younger than Verlander.
• Hernandez has a better career ERA, ERA+, and FIP.
• They're similar (Hernandez being slightly better) in career innings, strikeout rate, walk rate, and home run rate.
• Regarding Verlander's seven extra career wins in six fewer starts, look at run support.  Verlander has received 5.2 runs scored per start, Felix 4.3.

---

Lijit Search

---

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner