Apr. 23, 2009 (Fort Worth Star-Telegram delivered by Newstex ) --
Totally agreed with the Rangers' rationale of bringing Derek Holland up and letting him get accustomed to big league?life by working out of the bullpen and he certainly had an auspcious debut Wednesday night in Toronto. But circumstances have changed and now the Rangers need Holland in the rotation, not in the bullpen. With Kris Benson going on the disabled list with elbow tendinitis, the Rangers ?decided to shift Scott Feldman from the 'pen to Benson's spot in the rotation. Why not use Holland there instead? The Rangers need someone who'll take the pressure off the bullpen, not put more on it. Feldman is a 5-inning starter, maybe 6 on his really good nights. He's more valuable to this team in the bullpen than in the rotation.
Holland has been a starter all his life. It's obvious he's not over-awed by being in the major leagues. The original plan was a good one, but winning in the bigs is all about making adjustments and adapting.
If he's going to be here anyway, Holland taking a spot in the rotation at this point makes all the sense in the world.
?? -- Jim Reeves
Newstex ID: FT-2464-34365435
