Max Scherzer is one of just four players in American League history to average at least 11 strikeouts per nine innings in a season.

Detroit teammate Justin Verlander and Scherzer finished 1-2 in total strikeouts in 2012. They're only the sixth set of teammates since 1900 to rank 1-2 in the majors in the same season.

"The American League is pretty good. There are some really, really good pitchers in this league," Scherzer said. "That's a big category to be a part of -- and a sign of success. Typically, it's a sign of success when you generate that many strikeouts. So for both of us to finish 1-2, that's a pretty good accomplishment."

For Scherzer, it's all about repeating his delivery. After he found his delivery in the middle of last season, he went 11-3 with a 2.53 ERA in his last 19 starts, with 143 strikeouts in just 117 1/3 innings.

"When you struggle and then you find something mechanically that works for you, you don't have to write it down," he said. "That's just instilled in you. I know exactly what it feels like to have my hands break in front of my body. And now, it's just second nature."