Dutch Treat: Holland's Debut link dump
by t ball on Apr 23, 2009 7:33 AM CDT
58 comments
I was unable to watch the game last night, didn't get home from work untl after 10. So I gobbled up reports of Holland's debut as I could find them. I was excited to read the universally positive reports, all painting a picture of a poised young man pitching well enough that even thedirkatron or Mike Hindman won't be exaggerating when they talk about him. I thought it would be nice to collect some quotes and links in one place.
From Richard Durrett's blog entry:
He didn't walk anybody and had two strikeouts (threw 29 strikes out of 42 pitches). He did not look at all intimidated and was aggressively throwing strikes. He showed an ability to paint the corners and that slider looked good. For a long relief outing, that was a great way to start your career.
http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/04/how-about-derek-hollands-big-league-debu.html
Kevin Sherrington praised Holland for keeping his cool on the questionable call on a ball in Barajas' at bat, and summed up the performance this way:
Even though he was in A ball a year ago, Holland, with a fastball that ran to 96 mph, has the stuff to pitch in the big leagues. On Thursday, he showed he has the make-up. If he keeps this up, Holland will be in the rotation before Memorial Day. And that's exactly where he should be, if the Rangers want to keep their date as a contender for 2010.
http://kevinsherringtonblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/04/hollands-texas-rangers-debut-a.html
From the Jeff Wilson game report, a quote I like from Holland:
"I attacked the zone, went right after them and showed I wasn't afraid of them," Holland said.
Project Prospect put up a scouting report last night, including this tidbit we can debate:
Though there is sure to be a few growing pains along the way, Derek Holland may already be the Rangers' best pitcher.
http://projectprospect.com/article/2009/04/24/scouting-report-hollands-mlb-debut
Over at BBTIA, Joey also has pitch f/x data as part of his detailed report:
Some discussion over at minorleagueball:
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/4/22/849518/hollands-first-seven-fastballs
A scouting report at minorleaguenotebook:
http://minorleaguenotebook.com/2009/04/22/derek-hollands-debut-scouting-report/
And be sure to check out the links below in FanShots provided by philkid to Beyond the Box Score's report (which includes pitch f/x charts) and some nice pics by the fightingengineer.
It's really too bad that Evan Grant couldn't make the trip to Toronto, and it would have been nice to have one of Jeff Miller's articles over at Inside Corner. Hopefully they'll have something up later today or talk to Holland at some point soon.
I may update with more later if I find something interesting, or please add stuff you find in the comments. I'm sorry I missed the game, but this was fun reading. I'm sure Holland will struggle at times, but he's off to a nice start and, like Andrus, you get the impression that he belongs in the big leagues now.
Update: Scott Lucas has a thorough look at Holland's appearance:
http://www.rangers.scottlucas.com/archives/2009/04/a_quick_pitchfx.html
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poised
He really didn’t look nervous at all. No walking around the mound. No calling off pitches, stepping off rubber or numerous catcher conferences. My only quibble is that some of his pitches caught too much of the strike zone. That will catch up to him.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Apr 23, 2009 8:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought he looked nervous
but he settled in nicely. Can’t wait to go see him pitch at the temple.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 23, 2009 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is also
nice that he started out this way. I know it was only one appearance but how many pundits would have come out of the wood work damning the Rangers again if Holland would have looked bad? I can hear it now: “Well, more overhyped pitching prospects for the Rangers, blah blah blah”
by Michael Cave on Apr 23, 2009 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pitches in the zone
I’d rather have too many pitches in the strike zone than the constant nibbling that a certain lefty starter does
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Apr 23, 2009 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Throwing strikes = better than 75% of our pitching staff
And how long had it been since he last pitched in a game? Maybe he was a little rusty and was unable to his his targets.
by hiafex on Apr 23, 2009 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
8-9 days i think
or at least around that.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Apr 23, 2009 8:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
good call
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 23, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It feels good that the future is almost here.
Those 2.1 innings are probably the most satisfying innings of Rangers baseball I have read about in the past 3 years.
I’m amazed that it appears he threw only 5 non-four-seam fastballs. He was pumped up but nicely routed it into a sizzling fastball. Gotta like this ability as much as his tenacity.
If his one change is any indicator of what it could be, I can’t wait to see his confidence develop in that pitch.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
by rooster on Apr 23, 2009 8:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
pretty wicked slider, too
on that Hill K
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 23, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice job tball
When thinking of the decisions to promote both andrus and holland, I think the FO has to be given some credit in making the right personnel moves here. These two kids are mature, talented and ready now despite their limited experience beyond AA. I especially like the fact that there was a healthy debate about whether to break camp with Holland at the end of ST. Some thought he yeah some thought neah, and ultimately I tliked the decision to try to get him more time starting on the mound in AAA. And now I like the decision to break him in via the pen. As for Andrus, he too could have used more time to improve his approach at the plate in AAA,. but his was a different decision, a realization that his plus defense and maturity would play now, whereas our offense could suffer his struggles at the plate. Of course, he hasn’’t been too bad at the plate either.
by Goyogringo on Apr 23, 2009 8:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Andrus
I really hope in the winter of 2014 we aren’t looking back at the first 10 games of 2009 and wishing we would have simply kept him down for them as we watch him leave in free agency
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Apr 23, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was rushed!!!
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"I guess it’s tough to look good when you play on the same team as Marcus Lemon." -Trip Somers.
"Congratulations, Mr. Somers. You just made THE LIST." -The Newberg, after reading the above comment.
by thedirkatron on Apr 23, 2009 8:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Please
slot him in Harrison’s rotation spot soon. I can’t watch much more of that. How many times last night did he start a guy 0-2 only to end up 3-2? I can think of at least 4. His constant nibbling beats me down.
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on Apr 23, 2009 8:57 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
re:
Project Prospect put up a scouting report last night, including this tidbit we can debate:
“Though there is sure to be a few growing pains along the way, Derek Holland may already be the Rangers’ best pitcher.”
I think that trophy rests pretty safely with Two Frank right now, and with the way Millwood is looking he might be the most viable competition at the moment… but Holland looks legit as hell.
I haven’t been this excited about a Rangers pitching prospect since… ever.
I love the way we’re breaking him in via long relief, too. I know some hate it, but I see nothing wrong with this way of breaking in young starters. Plenty of guys have gotten their feet wet in relief roles and gone on to do great things in the rotation soon after.
Hooray for reasons for optimism!!!
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"I guess it’s tough to look good when you play on the same team as Marcus Lemon." -Trip Somers.
"Congratulations, Mr. Somers. You just made THE LIST." -The Newberg, after reading the above comment.
by thedirkatron on Apr 23, 2009 9:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
heh Two Frank
I like it
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 23, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The long relief route
is something that i have disagreed with in the past but I think on this team it is the best way. Any pitcher who pitches in the pen will get substantial innings. I just hope Feliz, et al saw Holland’s performance and want to join him. Honestly, I would keep Holland in the pen until early August or late August. Try to get him 5-7 starts at the end of the year and hopefully pencil him into the rotation in 2010. Who knows if Feliz is up fairly soon our pen could turn into something of a strength.
by Michael Cave on Apr 23, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The relief role
makes a lot of sense if you’re bringing up someone this quickly, for sure. If Holland had an entire season or more in AA/AAA then maybe you put him right into the rotation. I’d be fine with them putting Feliz into the rotation if he spends April-August in AAA first. But I think Feliz’ relative youth might mean short stints are a better introduction even though he’ll have more time in the minors than Holland.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 23, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm offiicially revoking the awkward Der-Hol nickname you tried to hang on him
New handle: Derbeastenheimer.
I'm Matt mutha-effing Bush, bitches, and mutha-eff East County.
"I'm as passionate and knowlegeable as any fan out there." Josey Wales
by Brian Thomas on Apr 23, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I still like Der-Hol.
I can just imagine him shouting “You’ve been Der-Hol’ed!” at people after they’ve been struckout by beastly array of plussy-plus pitches.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"I guess it’s tough to look good when you play on the same team as Marcus Lemon." -Trip Somers.
"Congratulations, Mr. Somers. You just made THE LIST." -The Newberg, after reading the above comment.
by thedirkatron on Apr 23, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
as long as when he brings the heat
we dont refer to it as a dutch oven
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Apr 23, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally
I prefer Opus.
LoneStarBall....You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.
by DaheelzCM on Apr 23, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like that, but Wonderboy has grown on me, especially since I've begun imagining
Tenacious D belting out Wonderboy lyrics while Holland is warming up.
It’s Beau Vaughan’s idea, and I like it.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
by rooster on Apr 23, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
after reading that
vaughan is now one of my favorite players.
that interview was full of awkward hilariousness.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Apr 23, 2009 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's the Rangers' version of Steve Lyons. I hope he makes it to the majors soon.
He could keep the clubhouse (at least the bullpen) loose, and maybe a few guys off base.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
by rooster on Apr 23, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sweet Jesus...
that first question/answer was hysterical. I can just imagine Dutch deadpanning “It’s a pleasure to have you as a roommate.”
by jwiscarson on Apr 23, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the one with diamond is even better
i mean there are talladega nights and semi pro references, that makes it awesome
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Apr 23, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I read that one too.
I have to agree with you now, definitely one of my favorite players.
by jwiscarson on Apr 23, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Dutch-boy
Shield reference
by texasraider on Apr 23, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like it because that's also a brand of paint and he can pain the corners
by Inkara1 on Apr 23, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
*paint the corners
causing batters pain
by Inkara1 on Apr 23, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My girlfriend suggested "Von Asskicking."
But I like this.
by philkid3 on Apr 23, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how long do you think it'll take
before they SHOULD put him in the rotation? if we’re looking at limiting innings, what’s the plateau – 150 total innings? So maybe another month?
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 23, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Liriano made 12 appearances
out of the Twins bullpen before he got his first start. That was about a month and a half. He had mostly 3-4 days between appearances. Around June 1 would be a good time to put him into the rotation.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Apr 23, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would be elated
If one of the digital wizards this site crawls with would make a gif of that slider that got Aaron Hill. When I saw him fall down, I quite seriously jumped off my seat, pumped my fist, and giggled a little.
Kanye, you want to be the voice of this generation? Get in line! It goes me, Obamagirl, the Freecreditreport.com guys, then It's a tie between you-and Crocs.
-Stephen Colbert
by Conjunction on Apr 23, 2009 9:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I hear you. This was me right after that pitch
Rock Flag & Eagle Radio: Thursdays 10 PM - 1 AM on FM 88.7 The Choice
"Computers can’t measure the size of a man’s heart."
- Hawk Harrelson, MLB Guru/Analyst
by Maximilian on Apr 23, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crazy...
you did a fist-pump and a cell phone hovered your direction. That’s an impressive skill.
by ghostofErikThompson on Apr 23, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All thanks to Dutch.
Rock Flag & Eagle Radio: Thursdays 10 PM - 1 AM on FM 88.7 The Choice
"Computers can’t measure the size of a man’s heart."
- Hawk Harrelson, MLB Guru/Analyst
by Maximilian on Apr 23, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dirty
When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"
by Section 339 on Apr 23, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holland possibly on The Ticket
around 9:35..they are trying to chase him down.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Apr 23, 2009 9:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Holland talk now
i think i heard them say they expected a guest….we’ll see
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Apr 23, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Swing and a miss.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Apr 23, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So Holland wasn't on the show?
II Cor. 4:17-18
by TedFord on Apr 23, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they said maybe tomorrow
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Apr 23, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Told you guys after seeing him shake off an error behind him in Bakersfield that he had a good makeup
How many guys on the major league staff seemed to implode after an error?
by Inkara1 on Apr 23, 2009 9:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
blahhh
I really have to remember to stop reading before I hit the comments on the DMN blog.
"Was this really necsarry?" - cowpoke/hurler hurley
by trza on Apr 23, 2009 10:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So, if I had to nitpik...
I hope his slider develops a few more inches of break over the next year or so.
He probably can be really, really good with his fastball/change combo, but the development of his slider would put him among the elite, I would guess.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
by rooster on Apr 23, 2009 10:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It was awesome to watch him cannon those fastballs in
But the best part of the night was seeing his face while walking off the mound after a completed inning. And in the dugout.
I would have been rooting like hell for him even if I hated the Rangers. Charismatic kid.
I'm Matt mutha-effing Bush, bitches, and mutha-eff East County.
"I'm as passionate and knowlegeable as any fan out there." Josey Wales
by Brian Thomas on Apr 23, 2009 10:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
so true.
I wonder what that ump was saying to him after the inning…
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 23, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
x
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSfkuOBpJxU
"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."
by benmor78 on Apr 23, 2009 3:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So if Holland is Wonder Boy...
does that make Feliz Nasty Man?
by Butters on Apr 23, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think it does, indeed.
"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."
by benmor78 on Apr 24, 2009 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Together, do they form Tenacious D?
Maybe in their case it would be Tenacious K.
So, I much prefer the Beelzeboss song to Wonderboy, but they’re both very funny metal songs, and I don’t think any part of Beelzeboss could be played in a public place.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
by rooster on Apr 24, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holland on KTCK this morning
He was just fixin’ to say what the conversation with the umpire was about when my phone rang. If you heard what he said, please illuminate us. Thanks!
II Cor. 4:17-18
by TedFord on Apr 24, 2009 11:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Here
"It doesn't look like he's trying. It kinda pisses me off," "He could throw 110 if he tried. The way it explodes out of his hand is really something special." ~ B-Mac on Feliz.
by Kinslerhomer on Apr 24, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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