Texas Rangers’ rotation set to make first spring start for number of contenders – MLB News
Right handed starting pitcher Eric Hurley is selected to pitch for the Texas Rangers on March 3, 2011. He has his name on the list of pitchers for their camp division dispute against the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs.
In the first Cactus League game during this spring training season, Neftali Feliz, a closer for the Rangers, will start one game of the Texas' split-squad. He will throw in Surprise and Holland will set up against the Cubs in Mesa. Hurley will follow Feliz
while Scheppers will go after Holland on the other side.
Feliz, the American League's Draftee of the Year as a closer, remains the crucial pitcher as the Rangers dispute an opportunity of shifting him from the bull-pen to the alternation. Many supporters of the Rangers will eventually become known with the rotation
of Feliz and that is why there could be a noise in the air when he takes the stack on his initial game.
Ranger’s manager Ron Washington expressed his excitement about the abilities of Feliz and said, "It should create a buzz. We know what this kid is capable of doing and what he has shown this spring. Everybody just wants to see him throw all his pitches and
be successful. In the end, he's going to be the one who tells us [by his performance] what he's going to do."
The verdict will be a big one, both for Feliz and for other pitchers in squad. C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis have locked down two spots in the alternation. Brandon Webb will have a third place if he is prepared for Opening Day. As many as nine pitchers are
contending for two spots in some of the contests in the Rangers site.
Holland said, "My goal is to get a starting spot, and I feel I'm going to get it. I'm working hard every day and feeling good. I want to do everything I can to get that spot. I'm very confident."
Holland has used up the last two years briskly from the bull-pen to the alternation with a rare side outing to Triple-A Oklahoma City and the disabled list. He has 9-16 Win-Loss record with an ERA of 5.72 in 31 career starts and 2-1 victory with 4.50 ERA
in 16 reliefs. He had a two-month extension in his contract from July to August 2009. At that time he had 6-2 wins with an ERA of 3.35 in eight set ups and three break appearances.
Currently, Feliz and Holland will be at core point on the game played in Surprise. It will be interesting to see how well they manage to perform before the regular season begins.
Tags: