Verlander's WBC Inclusion Would Benefit Holland

Remember when everyone thought Cliff Lee being a Texas Rangers starter for less than four months was a huge benefit for the entire pitching staff that is partly still in town, including Derek Holland and Matt Harrison?

Whether you believe that or not, there's something to be said for being surrounded by greatness, and now Holland has a chance to do that again this spring in the World Baseball Classic.

There are reports by several sources that Team USA is drawing some major interest from Detroit Tigers ace, former AL Cy Young winner and former AL MVP Justin Verlander joining the U.S. starting rotation for the world baseball tournament that begins in early March and ends in mid-March.

While the Tigers would probably hate to see this happen, fans of other teams in the American League would probably love it. And so would Derek Holland, and the rest of the Team USA pitchers.

Holland is part of the U.S. rotation now, and will be joined by reigning NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey and San Francisco starter Ryan Vogelsong. Andy Pettitte has backed out after originally committing, as has Atlanta Braves youngster Kris Medlen, and the team is currently reportedly pursuing White Sox starter Jake Peavy, as well.

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