Texas Rangers starter Derek Holland has grown tired of Jose Bautista.
In a guest appearance on KRLD-FM 105.3 The Fan, Holland had some harsh words for the Toronto Blue Jays outfielder.
“I mean, personally, I don’t like him, either,” Holland told the Ben and Skin Show on Tuesday. “Especially after seeing more about him during the game, and being out in the outfield and seeing how he complains about every single thing.
“It’s like, no matter what, if you throw anything close to the plate, and it’s a ball, it’s supposed to be a ball for him – no matter what. It’s like we can’t have any calls or anything like that, it’s always his way. I just don’t like that. I’m not a big fan of him.”
Holland specifically took issue with how Bautista handled himself, throwing his bat in the air in celebration and staring down Texas pitcher Sam Dyson, following his series-winning three-run home run in Game 5 against the Rangers.
“He’s the most animated player I’ve ever seen,” said Holland. “After watching him in the outfield cry about every single thing, it’s unbelievable. I don’t care if he hits a home run off me, that’s fine, I give up home runs, I’ve struck people out, I do all that stuff, it’s how baseball goes. But the way you do it – is he better than the game? Yeah, you lived in the moment, that’s great. You hit a home run? Yeah, you can pimp it. That’s fine. But the way he did it, I just think that one – that’s a bit much.
“But the way he did it, I don’t like it at all.”
Prior to the playoff match-up with Toronto, Holland admitted he had a decent relationship with Bautista and respected him, but that changed after watching his behaviour in the outfield throughout the series.
“I thought he was a fairly nice guy, and I’ve never really paid attention to him out in the outfield or the antics that he does because I’m always – either I had to pitch against him, so I’m studying up on what I need to do to get those guys out. I’m not sitting there watching him throw his arms up and throw his glove down on the ground and dance around in the outfield. I don’t see that. And it’s kind of a tired act.”
After a back-and-forth series that included a few bench-clearing scuffles, Holland wants the Blue Jays to get eliminated from the post-season in the ALCS.
“Oh yeah. I’m rooting for Kansas City. (A) couple of my buddies play for Kansas City, definitely want to see them go out there. One of my closest friends, Eric Hosmer, is playing so I’m pulling for them. I know they don’t seem to get along with Toronto either.”
Toronto is trailing Kansas City 3-1 in the ALCS and Game 5 takes place Wednesday afternoon at Rogers Centre.
