The Detroit Tigers had an ugly exit in the MLB postseason, but the team is still being recognized for its accomplishments during the regular season. On Thursday, starting pitcher Justin Verlander and catcher Alex Avila were both named to Spring News' annual Al All-Star Team.
Verlander finished the season with a 24-5 record, earning Triple Crown honors a he finished tops in the AL with a 2.40 Earned Run Average and struck out 250 batters, also good for the best in the American League. According to the Sporting News website, 26 American League executives voted for the AL team with Verlander being the only unanimous choice.
Avila was one of the better defensive catchers in the American League this season, amassing the most putouts at home plate putting together a .389 On Base Percentage at the plate. It's quite the honor for him to earn top catcher honors in just his third season of MLB play.
Oh, and in other news, Curtis Granderson also made the team.