Locked-out Nowitzki aims for a strike

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Saturday night was not the first time this year that the Rangers called on Dirk Nowitzki to throw out the ceremonial opening pitch. The 7-foot power forward of the NBA champion Mavericks -- currently waiting for the lockout to end -- made his pitching debut June 24 for the opener of a visit by the Mets.

Not that they needed the luck, but the Rangers routed the Mets that night, 8-1. World Series Game 3 starter Matt Harrison beat Mike Pelfrey in that game, but the Mets won the next two. Nowitzki had no problem reaching the plate before that game -- and not surprisingly, the pitch was a little high. Saturday night's toss was in the dirt.

"If you're going to make one mistake, throw it over the catcher's head because then your arm is just strong, not weak," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said when asked what advice he would give. He also advised standing as close to the plate as possible. "Like Dirk,'' La Russa said, "I think he can just take one big step and hand it from the mound."

Mr. Holland's opus?

Texas did a pretty good job rebounding this year from the loss of free-agent ace Cliff Lee. Now, with C.J. Wilson headed down the same road and the Rangers expected to take a pass, a common question is how they will absorb that loss.

Derek Holland, who will oppose Edwin Jackson in Sunday night's Game 4, was asked if he's ready to inherit the title of No. 1 starter. Holland finished 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA this season. In the playoffs, he's 1-0 with a 5.27 ERA in three starts and one relief appearance.

"I did take a big step this year, but at the same time, I feel like this whole staff is pretty good," Holland said. "Hopefully, we get C.J. back. That's the plan. But if we can't get him, somebody is going to have to fill his shoes as well."