Dutch Oven Locally, I don't think anyone's gotten a more raw deal than Derek Holland.
There are some -- although, these few are the least knowledgeable of baseball items -- that think Holland is washed up and useless.
I could not disagree more. Remember, he started his pro career in 2007. In 2008, he jumped from Low-A Clinton to Triple A Oklahoma City.
In one season.
Holland wasn't a four-year college kid. He went to community college and then into the Majors. By 22, despite not being a well-known, highly-touted prospect in the system, Holland started 21 games in the Majors. That's a lot for a kid to handle.
His 6.12 ERA that season was swore off by the sheer moments of brilliance he'd occasionally show and the fact that it was his first taste of the Majors.
Holland was better in 2010. His ratios were better even if he pitched less in the Majors due to injuries and opportunities.
However, that meltdown in the World Series is what is on everyone's mind. That is what's molding everyone's opinions about the guy.
Trust me, Holland has a lot more room to grow. He didn't get the grooming and the coaching that many get working their way, year by year, through the minors. He shot up and it's bit the Rangers in the ass and it's made the local media and fans grow weary of his act.
I do think Holland has plenty of time to get more consistent. I also think 2011 is a bit year for him. I think it's time for Holland to step up.
For one, it appears he'll have the opportunity. Brandon Webb's not as far along as it was perceived (or reported ... or both) and injuries to Omar Beltre and Scott Feldman help too.
Two, he's 24. One-and-a-half seasons is a good cross section of games to get your feet wet and understand how to pitch. Not ideal. But enough to the point that 2011 should be a year of noticeable and substantial growth. Holland's burnt out the minors. He can not get better there. His improvement will come on the big stage.
It's not Holland's last stand. But 2011 will be a good gauge to see where he's at, big picture.
