Greg Holland pitches in 2010.
Holland an unlikely starter for the Royals
By Tom Avery
Staff Writer
Greg Holland was never a star.
He wasn't drafted out of high school. And the Marion, N.C. native didn't go to a big-time college program. At Western Carolina, the mild-mannered righty wasn't even a starting pitcher.
But the one thing he has always done is perform.
One of the top relief pitchers in Western Carolina's history, Holland became the 10th round pick of the Royals in 2007. He decided to forgo his senior season with the Catamounts and now he is the fifth starter for the Royals.
"Greg impressed us this spring with his work ethic and his great attitude," said Ned Yost, the Royals second-year manager. "He was going up against a couple veterans and he stood out in my eyes, and Dayton's [Moore, the GM] also. We saw a lot in him last year that made us think he could make a contribution and we hope we're right."
Holland made 15 uneventful appearances for Kansas City in 2010, finishing the season with an 0-1 record and a 6.75 ERA after 18 2/3 innings of work.
"It was a great experience," said Holland. "It gave me the confidence that I could cut it in the big leagues and I didn't want to go back to the minors. I came out this spring knowing I had a lot of work to do and I think I earned my spot."
Holland beat out a veteran group that included former Oakland A's pitcher Vin Mazzaro, former Royals starter Jeff Suppan and former Angels top prospect Steven Shell. All three are now in Triple-A.
His minor league numbers are nothing to scoff at. He 19-12 in 138 games pitched, including seven starts, with a 3.48 ERA during his four seasons in the minors. Those seven starts came against Single A batters in the comfortable Carolina League atmosphere. He finished that season with a 4-5 record and 3.42 ERA, earning him trips to Double A and Triple A the following year and his promotion in 2010.
This spring Holland did not allow an earned run in 10 appearances, including two starts.
"I felt good. I was as comfortable as I've been since my time at Western Carolina," Holland said. "This is something I've dreamed of my whole life and I didn't want to let the opportunity slip away."
Holland, 25, was the co-MVP of his senior year squad at McDowell High School in Asheville, N.C. before heading to Western Carolina where he made an immediate impact and was the among the top pitchers in the Southern Conference his junior season. He helped the Catamounts to a conference title with 10 saves and his career total of 19 is fourth all-time at the school.
Small in stature at 5'11, Holland pitches like a man much taller.
"He's like a Billy Wagner type, he may have a small body, but he's got a big arm," said Yost.
"Between me and Timmy [Collins], we have a pretty small pitching staff," said Holland.
The 5'10 Collins has been dominant so far, not allowing a run in three appearances as the Royals set-up man to Joakim Soria.
The Royals will hope for similar success from Holland as he takes to the mound at 8:10 p.m. against the Chicago White Sox and starter Edwin Jackson from Kauffman Field.