Rocky start to Verlander's SF Giants career eerily similar to Randy Johnson's

SF Giants starter Justin Verlander has had a bit of a rocky start to his career with the Giants. He has a 6.75 ERA through four starts and his numbers are fairly similar to the numbers Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson put up through four starts as a Giant.

When the Giants signed the 42-year-old Verlander this offseason, it was definitely reminiscent of when the the Giants signed the, at the time, 45-year-old Johnson for what ended up being his final MLB season in 2009.

Verlander's start to SF Giants career similar to Randy Johnson's

Through Johnson's first four starts of 2009, he had a record of 1-2 with a 6.16 ERA in 19 innings pitched. Thus far, Verlander has a record of 0-1 and a 6.75 ERA in 18 and 2/3 innings pitched. Verlander pitched fairly well in his most recent start against the Philadelphia Phillies, but he is still searching for his first win in a Giants uniform as he tries to chase down 300 wins.

Johnson actually recorded his 300th win in a Giants uniform on June 4th, 2009. The Big Unit is the most recent pitcher to reach the historic 300-win milestone, so the fact that Verlander even has a shot at it within the next few years (he currently sits at 262 career wins) is pretty special.

Even though Verlander has gotten off to a slow start, he has said he feels fine physically which is always going to be a concern for a 42-year-old pitcher. Oracle Park still seems to have his number, but hopefully he can rectify that by the end of the year.

Johnson's lone season with San Francisco saw a very mixed bag. He had some very strong starts where he pitched seven innings and did not allow any runs, but his ERA was over 5.00 in June and he tore his rotator cuff in July which made him miss two months. By the end of the season he was relegated to bullpen duties and ended the year with a 4.88 ERA in 96 innings pitched.

We will have to see what Verlander's trajectory as a Giant looks like. Just because he has gotten off to a rough start like Johnson does not necessarily mean he will flame out in the same way, but it is a distinct possibility given his age.

Thankfully, the Giants have young arms who could easily step into the rotation should the need arise. Verlander has already proven to be a willing mentor for the younger pitchers on the staff so even if he does not have a great year on the mound he will still have made a positive impact on the team.

It is still early, but the comparisons between Randy Johnson's one season in San Francisco and Verlander's will only grow if he continues to struggle. Verlander will certainly be enshrined in Cooperstown one day, but Giants fans are hoping he still has a little bit of the greatness he has displayed throughout his career left in him.