Texas Rangers Rotation Analysis: Derek Holland

Coming off a not-so-pretty outing in the 2010 postseason, Derek Holland is another Texas Rangers pitcher that has a lot to prove this season.

Since his debut in Toronto in 2009, he has been called a young fiery southpaw with the ceiling of a No. 3 starter in the rotation.

He started this year as the ballclub's No. 4 starter behind Matt Harrison. In his first four games, he has earned a 3-1 record with an unimpressive 4.39 earned run average.

However, there are certainly some positive things to point out.

Holland has changed his windup from his unusually smooth delivery to a more stiffer motion. This has been a running story, as he has made minor changes since his debut. He began his major league career with a smooth rounded off "w" motion.

Next year, he added more hand movements before the "w" motion. This year's windup surprised me a bit, as It's much more stiffer than previously expected and he seems to cut off the "w" motion three-fourths of the way down.

One thing that is noteworthy is that the jerkier windup has seemed to disappear in his latest start against New York, which is coincidentally accompanied by an increase in earned runs given up.

These changes have resulted in a bit more control of his secondary pitches, which is exactly the tool he needs to dominate as a starter. His velocity is finally back to the mid-90s after being unexpectedly down last year.

In his first four starts of 2011, Holland has faced around 28 batters per game, with an impressive strikeout-per-nine-innings ratio of 8.4.

His main strikeout pitch is a changeup that sinks to 80 miles-per-hour, while more aggressive batters have fallen victim to a 94 mile-per-hour four seam fastball with incredible command. He's primarily a ground ball pitcher, getting 40 percent of batters to ground out.

His best game of the season was a recent outing against the Kansas City Royals, where he struck out a season-high nine batters. While giving up five runs on seven hits, he still earned the win due to the high-power offense the Rangers have been showcasing this season.

Consistency and confidence will be the keys for having a good season. Derek has shown flashes of brilliance in his short career, including a complete game shutout against the Angels and a domination of the Mariners, in which he was no-hitting the team for six innings.

But he has had his fair share of bad outings, including relief work in the World Series, where he walked three straight batters.

Many people, including myself, expect Holland to have an average year. An earned run average that goes to five is very realistic if he does not utilize his fastball along with his secondary pitches, which is one of his bad habits during games.

One thing is for sure: He must give the team a reason to keep him aboard the roster. It's do or die for Holland and early in this season, good or bad, he's doing a lot.