Tigers vs. Yankees: Justin Verlander wants to be associated with playoff legends

The Detroit Tigers have an opportunity to go up 3-0 on the New York Yankees, which would be a stranglehold on the best-of-seven series. On Tuesday, the Tigers will send out someone who might just be the most dependable pitcher in Major League Baseball: Justin Verlander.

Verlander has already done a lot with the Tigers, and is riding a hot streak. He's gone 6-0 with a 0.6 ERA since Sept. 14, including 22 strikeouts in two starts against the Athletics, who managed just one run in 16 innings against him. In a piece for the Tigers' official spot on MLB.com, Verlander talks about wanting to be in the same league as the legends who really made a difference in the postseason:

"I want to be associated with those guys, a guy that stepped up in the postseason for my team. I helped get us here to the second round, but my job is not over. Once my number is called and it is my turn to go, I go out there and try to give us a chance to win."

One such legend? Jack Morris, who will be throwing out the first pitch for Game 3. Morris won a World Series title with the Tigers and has been on some very good teams. He spent most of his career with the Tigers and Verlander wants to join him at the top echelon. He can get his team one step closer with another masterful showing against the Yankees on Tuesday.