Derek Holland had a tough act to follow on Sunday, as Colby Lewis pitched four perfect innings in Saturday's loss to the White Sox, but Holland was up to the task. Holland wasn't perfect, but he did impress his manager on Sunday, pitching three innings while allowing just one run on three hits, while striking out four in Texas' 6-1 Cactus League win over the Cleveland Indians.
Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News had a couple of nice quotes from Holland and Washington after the game.
"Holland came out and pounded the zone,'' manager Ron Washington said.
Holland tended to have high pitch counts last season. He averaged 16.2 pitches per inning, highest rate in the rotation.``I wanted to keep it going, but other people have to get their work in as well,'' Holland said. ``The main thing is I went out and did what I wanted to do.''
So far, Texas' revamped staff looks good in Surprise. Granted, it's only spring training, and the results are certainly inconsequential, but that the starters look and feel good is certainly a positive for the Rangers -- especially since Texas will be boasting two new starters in their 2012 rotation compared to last year.