Tigers avoid arbitration with ace Verlander

Feb 3, 2009 - 8:55 PM DETROIT (Ticker) -- Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander, looking to bounce back from an abysmal 2008 season, will not have to worry about being distracted by the arduous process of salary arbitration.

The Tigers signed Verlander to a one-year contract Tuesday, avoiding arbitration with the righthander.

Financial terms were not disclosed. Verlander, 25, filed for $4.15 million in arbitration last month while the Tigers countered with $3.2 million.

The 2006 American League Rookie of the Year and an All-Star in 2007, Verlander went just 11-17 with a 4.84 ERA last season. The 6-5, 200-pounder stated earlier this offseason that he wanted to focus on a return to dominance this season rather than be burdened by the arbitration process.

Verlander emerged as one of baseball's best young starters in his first two full seasons, going a combined 35-15 with a 3.65 ERA while collecting 307 strikeouts in 387 2/3 innings.