As the sports betting sites learned in the 2011 MLB season, pitching is alive and well in the major leagues. When the AL Cy Young ballots come out a little later, many people are starting to think that only one name needs to be on those ballots. Detroit pitcher Justin Verlander and his 24 wins in 2011 appear to be a lock to win the AL Cy Young in 2011.

The most impressive part of Verlander’s season, and the thing that probably pushed him past other contenders such as C.C. Sabathia, was the fact that Verlander’s price per head record against the AL Central was 14-1. This was a key component to the Tigers’ winning the pennant and also helped Verlander to get consideration as AL MVP.

In other AL pitching news, it looks like the Boston Red Sox will be looking for a new closer for the 2012 season as Jonathan Papelbon has signed with the already pitcher-heavy Philadelphia Phillies. The Toronto Blue Jays and other teams expressed interest in Papelbon when the Red Sox’ season ended. But, in the end, the lure of closing for one of the best starting rotations in baseball was what brought Papelbon to Philadelphia.

There is still no definitive word on where Philadelphia Phillies’ pitcher Roy Oswalt will play in 2012, but the growing consensus is that it will not be in Philadelphia. One of the strongest contenders for Oswalt’s services is the Washington Nationals, who have opened up talks with Oswalt’s agent that are said to be productive.