Feb 21, 2010 10:17 AM EST

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander recently signed a five-year, $80 million contract, but he's still working as hard as ever this spring.

"I've been asked if a big contract will affect Justin, and I ask those people, 'Have you ever met him? Do you know who he is?'" asked Detroit shortstop Adam Everett.

"He is a blue collar guy. He is a competitive guy. He has to win at everything he tries, and he does."

Via ESPN