"The chorus of Justin Verlander's fellow players resounds with affirmation. The Detroit Tigers right-hander owned the 2011 season. He outperformed everyone, hitters included.

Tonight, Verlander was named the player of the year in the Players Choice awards. The honor is voted on by big-league players and presented by the Players Association.

"With all the talk about should a pitcher be able to win an MVP or a top-player award, I think it shows a lot of support from my fellow players for them to vote me that," Verlander said. "When it comes from guys you're playing with and battling against, that adds something extra special to it.""