Derek Holland agrees to one-year, $6 million deal with White Sox
CHICAGO (AP) Derek Holland understands the pivot toward youth by the White Sox and thinks he can thrive in Chicago.
''I wasn't too concerned. The whole thing is a process,'' the 30-year-old left-hander said Wednesday after agreeing to a $6 million, one-year contract. ''Whoever is there, I know they're going to be playing to win.''
Chicago already has traded ace Chris Sale to Boston and outfielder Adam Eaton to Washington. Other deals could be ahead.
While Holland plans to bring his boxer, Wrigley, to Chicago, he'll leave his five lizards and pet chinchilla at his home in Texas for now.
''You never know what's going to lie ahead,'' Holland said. ''Who knows? I could go up there and have an unbelievable year and end up staying with Chicago.''
Holland's deal includes $2 million in performance bonuses: $1 million each for 150 and 200 innings. He was 62-50 with a 4.35 ERA in eight seasons with Texas, which declined an $11 million option and chose to pay a $1.5 million buyout.
''It's just a crazy way that this is over,'' he said. ''I can't believe it's done, but at the same time it was a fun run with Texas. I got to make a lot of memories there. I had a great time.''
Holland played on the Rangers' AL champions in 2010 and 2011 but missed significant time the past three seasons because of injuries.
Holland, who had a $10 million salary this year, missed two months because of inflammation in his left shoulder and finished 7-9 with a 4.95 ERA in 22 games. He won 16 games in 2011.
Part of the attraction of joining with the White Sox was to work with pitching coach Don Cooper, who along with manager Rick Renteria called Holland during the recruiting process. Holland joins a projected rotation that for now includes Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon, James Shields and Miguel Gonzalez.
''I wasn't too worried about where I was going to be slotted in the rotation,'' Holland said. ''I'm definitely not an ace over here yet. I've got to earn everything.''
Chicago designated left-hander Matt Purke for assignment to open a roster spot.
