Ranger fans get another look at the future tonight when rookie phenom Derek Holland makes his second major league start, against the New York Yankees of all teams.

Holland has looked quite poised so far during his time in Arlington. But as good as Holland has been, the more intriguing fireballer is still on his way.

Twenty-one year-old Neftali Feliz features a fastball that sometimes clocks in the triple digits. The intimidating 6'3" right-hander looks like Pedro Martinez reborn. No doubt Ranger execs Nolan Ryan and Jon Daniels are foaming at the mouth watching this kid pitch and dreaming of his debut at the Ballpark.

The question is, when will that come?

Feliz hasn't exactly swept through AAA this season the way that Atlanta future ace Tommy Hanson has. Feliz has an ERA nearly 4.00, along with 36 strikeouts in 34 innings. Impressive, yes, but is Feliz ready? He's barely old enough to drink and some more seasoning down on the farm might do him some good and build up his confidence.

Why rush the kid? The rotation has been mostly outstanding and surely one rookie hurler on the roster is enough for now.

Ideally, the Rangers could use Feliz the same way Tampa Bay managed David Price late last season, when the phenom made a handful of starts late in the season and helped the Rays in key spots to a berth in the World Series. Why not save up Feliz the same way and use him late in the season, assuming the Rangers are still there at the end?

Whatever happens, it's refreshing for this team to finally have options on the mound. When was the last time we talked about having too many good pitchers here?

I thought so.

Leave a comment

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.