Texas Rangers retain Derek Holland - MLB Update
The Texas Rangers made another move on Tuesday, March 20, to sign a five year deal with the left-handed Derek Holland. The young player who emerged as one of the most strong and reliable pitchers of the Rangers last year will have $28 million dollar after the deal.
"It's all about being in Texas, wearing the Texas uniform and winning championships," Holland said. "I just want to be a good role model. When I was coming up, I had guys like C.J. Wilson and Michael Young to look up to. I want to be that guy."
The Rangers had preponderant reliance on the pitching the past year and it did not disappoint them. The team not only won the American League title but also made their way into the World Series. Although the result in the best-of-seven series was not the way they anticipated, Holland had a key role in empowering the team’s defence.
The past year Derek Holland made his appearance in 32 games, pitching 198 innings. He also had 4 complete games which were the most any pitcher could have in the American league with 16 wins to his credit, having had 3.95 ERA for the Rangers. .
In the post season games, his ERA stood at 3.38 with 2 wins to his credit in the 6 games that he played, having had 4 starts.
Mike Martini was Holland’s agent with whom the team had been talking about the contract extension. For the general manager Jon Daniels, Holland is a guy of impressions. He indeed commands immense respect and constitutes influence on the pitching lot in the team.
"His work ethic, his conditioning..he has really jumped to the head of the class," general manager Jon Daniels said. "He's a free spirit, but the thing people miss with the moustache is how hard he works, how much he cares and how much he does to succeed."
Derek Holland will come up with such breakthroughs in the new season too, having a spot booked in the rotation. With other competent pitchers in the side, Holland will be an invaluable part of the Rangers in the years to come.
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