HOUSTON -- Justin Verlander will take the ball for the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the World Series with a mandate to pull his team even against the Los Angeles Dodgers. If the gleam in his eyes and the life on his heater are any indication, it could be a while before he gives the ball back.
In this, his 12th big league season, Verlander is a smarter, more self-assured pitcher than the rookie who got knocked around by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2006 World Series. A lot of strikeouts, charter flights, video sessions, spring trainings, scouting meetings and on-field adjustments have taken him here, to his October happy place, at the advanced baseball age of 34 years, 8 months.