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Remember Chris Shelton's nine home runs in the first 13 games for the Detroit Tigers in 2006? Stud or Shelton examines whether currently hot players are displaying a similar mirage or will continue to play at a high level.In 2009, a Texas rookie pitcher by the name of Derek Holland has a 5.04 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 91 innings. Sounds like more of the same from the Rangers, right? So why is Holland appearing in Stud or Shelton?
On July 30th, Holland held the Mariners to one run on two hits in 8.2 innings, striking out 10 batters, an impressive feat. That put him on the radar. He then had a forgettable start at Oakland before squaring off against the Angels in Anaheim yesterday. In that one, Holland threw a complete-game shutout, picking up another win while striking out another eight batters.
Can he keep it up, or will he become just another rookie to fall by the wayside?
Derek Holland definitely has the pedigree; he entered this season as the Rangers' second-best prospect, according to Baseball America. He dominated the minors at all levels last year, picking up 157 strikeouts and only 40 walks in 150.2 innings. There was talk of Holland debuting in the Rangers rotation, but they decided to work him out of the bullpen. He's been shuttled back and forth between the rotation and the bullpen this year, but with his recent success and the Rangers' playoff hopes, it's essential that they leave him in the rotation at this point.
If you do have Holland, or you're planning on picking him up after this run of success, I want to point you to his home/road splits. The rookie has pitched 41.2 innings at home, putting up a 6.70 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in the process. On the road, the numbers come down to a 3.65 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. He's had a much easier time away from Arlington, and although his brilliant start on July 30th was at home, you might want to consider exercising a bit of caution when Holland is at home, at least for now.
Verdict: I think Holland has a bright future in the majors, and I see no reason that bright future can't start now. I'm marking him down as a stud for the remainder of 2009. Dynasty-league owners should be all over him.
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