Derek Holland

Holland is able to throw a variety of pitches to right-handed hitters and left-handed hitters at different speeds. His primary pitch is a four-seam fastball averaging 94-95 mph. To lefties, he throws the four-seamer, a two-seamer, and a slider (82-85). To righties, he throws a balance of the aforementioned pitches as well as a changeup in the mid 80s and a curveball in the mid-high 70s. Holland relies heavily on his slider with two strikes to both right-handed and left-handed hitters.\n', ' Holland was drafted in the 25th round in 2006 out of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama, a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. He was the number two rated prospect in the Rangers organization according to Baseball America, behind Neftalí Feliz, for 2009.\n', ' On April 22, 2009, Holland made his major league debut; pitching 2⅓ innings, allowing 3 hits, no runs, no walks, and striking out 2. On August 9, he pitched his first complete game, a 7–0 shutout against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in Anaheim. For the 2009 season, Holland finished the season 8-13 with a 6.12 ERA in 33 games (21 starts).\n', '