I lock these two together because they both should see time in Arlington this summer given the state of the Rangers rotation. While these two are much different pitchers they will have similar value if called up in 2009. Neftali Feliz looks like the second coming of Ubaldo Jimenez though with about one BB/9 less on his minor league record. His fastball is blazing at 99-100 mph, but his offspeed stuff is a work in progress. For Feliz, it’s all about learning to harness his gifted arm. Derek Holland is another bright young arm in the Texas system, though unlike Feliz, Holland has lowered his BB/9 from 2.82 at low A in 2007 through A, high A and ending at 2.08 in AA this past season. While working on his control Holland has maintained a K/9 around 10.
2009 Expectations:
I expect both pitchers to make a significant major league contribution next season. Neftali Feliz is the guy to target for K’s, while Holland may deliver the lower WHIP. I’d say starting from scratch I’d rather have Feliz because of the K’s and potential for dominating performances.
Keeper Incentive:
While young pitchers not named Lincecum are tough to keep, both Feliz and Holland are worth a target if you’re in a deep AL only or dynasty league, but both may take a couple years before reaching their full potential.
Video: Neftali Feliz
Remind you a bit of Pedro Martinez? Let’s not go that far, but you can see he’s sort of a “slinger” from a 3/4 arm angle. The good thing I see is that his mechanics are not complicated. Does he sort of look like this former Rangers prospect…?
If he can have similar success to that of Edinson Volquez 2008, I think I’d be happy.
Filed under: 2009 Top 10 Fantasy Prospects, Hot Prospect Corner | Tagged: 2009 Prospects, Derek Holland, Neftali Feliz
[...] 9. Neftali Feliz/Derek Holland [...]