I’ll be honest… I was not expecting this when the Cardinals first signed Greg Holland to a one year deal. I remember I was on my way to work listening to 101.1 ESPN Radio when it was first announced. I was fist pumping. I was hootin and hollerin. I was so pumped that we got Greg Holland to be our closer.
And two months later, it’s not looking so good.
Just a couple days ago I posted an article about Holland, and why us as fans and the Cardinals organization shouldn’t give up on Holland.
Wouldn’t you know it, his next outing didn’t go any better. Now, the loss can’t be pinned all on Holland. The Cardinals offense went cold against a mediocre pitcher and they dropped game 2 against the Royals 5-1. 11 hits for the Redbirds and only 1 run. Doesn’t quite help the pitching staff. But Holland Was called upon in the 9th, down 3-1… And he failed to record an out.
Now… I was frustrated for multiple reasons. Weaver was sharp and was going to get handed a loss. The offense couldn’t score. And then Holland again looked hittable and wild.
I’m gonna show you a picture from last nights game. It was shortly after Holland was taken out and it features Greg and Willie McGee.
Tim McKernan on Twitter
Greg Holland has yet another terrible outing…and Willie McGee walks over to him and puts his arm around him. Yeah. Holland’s a mess, and the end could be near. But #51 going over to a player like that in that moment is leadership and a reason why so many people love the guy.
I’ve never felt so bad for a player. You can see it in his face. The defeat. The anger. The want to succeed. He desperately wants to contribute to this club. Every time he goes out there and can’t get outs, it hurts even more.
I’m sorry.
I am. I’m sorry that you’re struggling. In this photo, you look like you’re holding back tears. I can feel the pain you’re holding in. I just hope you’re willing to do what it takes to get right. I know you wanna pitch in the Bigs. That’s what everyone wants. But at the same time, maybe you have to step back. At least for a little while. Your track record shows you can be great. If not the best. I think you can still do that, but if you’re trying to convince yourself you’re still there, you’re wrong. Something is clearly causing you to struggle, and maybe pitching through it isn’t the answer.
I’m not giving up on you. You shouldn’t give up on you. Just stay open minded and be willing to do what it takes to get right. Cardinal Nation is still rooting for you to figure it out. For the Cardinals to make a push, they’re going to need you at your best. So get there.
Thanks for Reading
Aaron M.
