Derek Holland and Matt Harrison had similar 2011 seasons. Holland went 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA, while Harrison went 14-9 with a 3.39 ERA.

Last year, though, Harrison progressed while Holland regressed. Harrison was the Rangers most consistent starter the entire season, going 18-11 with a 3.29 ERA and was selected to the All-Star Game. Holland, on the other hand, was inconsistent as he went 12-7 with a 4.67 ERA.

Now, Holland hopes his 2013 season is similar to Harrison’s 2012.

“I’d like to do what he did last year,” said Holland, speaking at a Cowboy Santas Toy Drive event at Rangers Ballpark on Tuesday.

“Harry did a great job for us, I don’t think he got enough credit. He was the most consistent pitcher and accomplished a lot for us. I’m using a lot of what he did as motivation. … Last year was not a really good year.”

Holland has already begun his preparations for next season, which started by meeting with team president and CEO Nolan Ryan around Thanksgiving. Holland tracked Ryan down at his office and the two talked about what he could improve upon.

Location was at the center of the discussion, as Holland’s worst starts came when he had poor location. Holland gave up 32 home runs last season, but homers aren’t all that bad if they are limited to solo shots.

Holland and Ryan also talked about being more consistent start to start. Holland has a tendency to put together a couple good starts followed by a bad outing.

“I never stayed on the same path,” Holland said. “I need to figure out a way when I’m not having a good game to still get those corners and work away from the middle of the plate.”

-- Drew Davison