SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — When news broke that Justin Verlander signed with the Giants for $15 million heading into his age-42 season — off a 5.48 ERA no less — I just figured he was as great a negotiator as he was a pitcher. That’s on me. 

No one should doubt Verlander can pitch until he’s 45, or longer. He’s occasionally mentioned that number as an exit target but doesn’t seem to really mean it. It’s just a round figure off in the distance. Out here, he looks like he can throw forever. 

“He can pitch as long as he wants to,” his old Astros catcher Martin Maldonado, now a Padre, said. 

There were whispers Verlander might try to make it to 50, but he’s avoiding any guesses for now. Why put a number on it when you’re still getting guys out who are barely half your age?