Jack Morris talking Tigers

Published Oct. 16, 2012 5:56 p.m. ET

foxsports

By DANA WAKIJI
FOXSportsDetroit.com

DETROIT -- I caught up with former Tigers pitcher Jack Morris on the field before Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, before the field was crowded with reporters, and he had some interesting things to say.

I asked him if he would have liked to pitch at Comerica Park. His answer made me laugh because it showed the competitiveness still burns in him.

"I want to pitch tonight," Morris said. "I have nothing, but I want to pitch."

Although Morris won't be pitching during the game, he's happy to be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

"I'm excited to be in Detroit right now," Morris said. "With Justin (Verlander) on the mound tonight, this place should be rocking. They're up two games and they're playing the Yankees and they're sitting in great shape.

"I know Detroit and I know they'll be rocking, so to be out there on the field. I look at it really as a great honor that they let me do that. I'm thrilled."

A couple of years ago, Morris was rather critical of Verlander, believing Verlander had way more to give based upon his talent.

Now, Morris sees the pitcher he always knew Verlander could be.

"He's got it all working now," Morris said. "What he did out in Oakland (in Game 5) just put him on a new level that he hasn't been on yet.

"I think tonight might take another step. He has the ability, and it would not shock me if he goes out and throws a no-hitter tonight. That's how good he is."

Morris, who was one of the best pitchers of his time, talked about what separates Verlander from other talented pitchers in the league today.

"God-given talent and the fact that he's learning what to do with it," Morris said. "He had the talent early, and I think that was probably a lot of people's concern is getting it all to come together.

"When you've got four bullets that he has, it's just a matter of learning how to pitch. I think he's finally learning how to pitch. Plus he's not thrown as many pitches as he did when he was younger, and that's all part of that -- get ahead, get the outs when you need it, get the strikeouts when you need it."

Morris had some cautionary words for the Tigers as they prepared for Game 3, up 2-0 in the ALCS.

"They're facing a team right now that you've got to get them while they're down," Morris said. "Don't let them come up for a breath.

"They're not playing well, they're not on all cylinders. You gotta take advantage of them because the next round, St. Louis and the Giants are both playing pretty good right now."