Much is made of the ages of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander to explain their downturns in performance. And, sure, that probably is part of it.

For example, one AL executive said there were indicators in the second half last year that Verlander’s stuff was beginning to go in the wrong direction — was it age that was leading to the swing-and-miss component of his fastball not being nearly as good as his career norms?

Still, the overall result in Verlander’s age-39 season was a 1.75 ERA and his third Cy Young Award. It was not like he was 7-14 with a 5.00 ERA.

Maybe the years are catching up to him now, but then consider these stats: 2-6, 5.08 ERA.