ST. LOUIS -- When Greg Holland returned from the disabled list a little more than two weeks ago, there was a sense that this could be it for the longtime closer. The leash on his stay in St. Louis was running precariously close to its end.
Before he could lobby for late-inning opportunities, Holland had to first justify a spot on the roster. There was an urgency to assure the Cardinals they hadn't made a $14 million mistake.
He's done so with a string of efficient and effective appearances (Wednesday's performance notwithstanding), giving the Cardinals reason to wonder whether the best bullpen upgrade available to them as the Trade Deadline approaches is the one already under control.