SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — There weren’t a lot of eyes on Rockies reliever Greg Holland as he threw a simulated game Monday morning. After all, it was on the back field of the teams complex with just a few scattered fans sitting behind the backstop.
But Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich was there, watching intently, as were manager Bud Black, pitching coach Steve Foster and bullpen coach Darren Holmes. And, after Holland threw his 21 pitches, there was consensus that he took a step forward toward becoming the Rockies’ closer at some point this season.
“The last time out, my timing was really good, and this time it got a little bit better, so I’m moving in the right direction,” said Holland, who signed a one-year contract that guarantees him $7 million and includes heavy incentives.