Leyland Doesn't Buy Verlander's Excuses

Justin Verlander was knocked around for eight runs (five earned) in just 1 2/3 innings by the Yankees on Monday. After the game, Verlander complained to reporters about home plate umpire Chuck Meriwether's "tight zone." When Jim Leyland heard Verlander's explanation, he didn't buy it. From Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press (via Roar of the Tigers):

"You need to have the ability every once in a while to say, 'I stunk' -- not that the strike zone was tight," Leyland said. "You have to say, 'You know what? I was horse (manure).' It's OK, because we're all horse (manure) from time to time. It's good to admit that you're horse (manure) sometimes.

"You turn the page and try to move on. Diversionary tactics are not good."

[...] "Chuck Meriwether had not one thing to do with Justin Verlander's horse (manure) outing. Period."

I don't know, maybe Meriwether's strike zone was a little tight -- I'm sure Sidney Ponson, who gave up seven runs in three innings to Verlander's teammates, was saying the exact same thing after the game in New York's clubhouse. But by giving up at least five earned runs in six of his last eight starts, Verlander has lost the right to offer up any excuse.

Verlander was supposed to be Detroit's ace this year -- he was even my preseason pick for AL Cy Young. Instead, his ERA climbed from 3.66 last season 4.74 through 29 starts this year. The Tigers have been the most disappointing team in the majors this year, and Verlander is as much to blame as anyone. Pointing fingers this late in the season just looks silly.