Verlander evidence that Red Sox ownership's philosophy is correct?

After many years of “power pitching” from Justin Verlander, it has finally caught up to him. After being pulled from his last start due to  shoulder soreness, Verlander has not been his spectacular self this season, pitching to a 4.76 ERA in 158 innings, along with a league leading 171 hits and 84 earned runs. His strikeouts remain down (118) while his walks have increased (55). Now at 31 years old with six years and $162 million left on his contract, does Justin Verlander support Red Sox ownership’s philosophy of not giving out long term deals to players over thirty?

Before turning 30, Verlander was the most dominant pitcher in the game. He averaged 17 wins, 220 innings, and 206 strikeouts. During this time, Verlander led the league in strikeouts three times, innings three times, and wins three times. In 2011, when Verlander was 28 years old, he pitched 251 innings, gathering 250 strikeouts, 24 wins, and an ERA of 2.40, leading the league in all categories, earning himself a Cy Young award and MVP in the same year. In seasons where Verlander was 30 or older, he has a combined 23-23 record and a 4.02 ERA. His strikeouts and innings have decreased as well. Injuries have probably caused these decreases, but old age has caused these injuries.

            During the offseason, Verlander suffered an injury that required “core muscle repair” surgery. Very vague, I am not even sure what this is. Research tells me that this is somewhat like a sports hernia, where hip movement is rather hard and painful. High levels of torque causes pain, thus needing the surgery. Verlander’s power pitching mechanics leave him vulnerable to high torque situations, which probably causes the problems in his mechanics.

            Verlander delivers that ball with a big leg kick, as you can see in this video. From his leg kick, Verlander begins to twist his hips towards the plate. If he cannot fully twist his hips, gaining that torque, his mechanics will be off. I believe this injury has effected Verlander’s poor season the most. The reason for this injury? Old age.

            When pitchers rely on velocity, they breakdown as they age. Having pitched 1,800 innings adds to Verlander’s sudden decline as well. Justin Verlander’s sudden decline due to injuries is proof that the Red Sox are right in saying that players over 30 usually do not live up to the contract.