The Rockies will likely tab Holland as the closer at the start of the season, the Denver Post's Nick Groke reports.

Groke, one of the Rockies' top beat writers, referred to Holland as "the man to whom the Rockies will probably pin closer status next month," so whether he is reading between the lines or basing this on off-the-record conversations, it seems fair to now peg Holland as the favorite to close in Colorado. Holland touched 95 mph with his fastball and threw his slider and curveball in Wednesday's perfect appearance against Brewers minor leaguers. Adam Ottavino certainly pitched well enough last season to deserve the closer role, but Holland has 145 career saves, compared to Ottavino's 11, so experience could carry the day for Holland. Ottavino is also probably more capable of logging 65-plus innings in a versatile high-leverage role, while Holland's innings should be more closely monitored in his first year back from Tommy John surgery, making the latter a more logical choice for the rigid one-inning closer role. Nothing is official, and Holland will obviously need to remain healthy and productive this spring to open the year as the closer, while this is now one of the least stable closer situations in the National League.