As luck would have it, the holiday coincidentally falls with 6 games left in the current baseball season and if I can work it right, I’ll figure someway to obsess over postseason roster construction for all of the potential participants.

I’d like to think that I could assemble a few of my baseball friends or family members who might have the time to sit and pick apart every GM’s decisions. While no fan has the requisite information to make educated roster or rotation selections, it’s still a fun exercise.

Without dissecting any team’s specific options, loyalty to certain players goes into some managers’ choices. See Clayton Kershaw, Dave Roberts and the Dodgers. Until I read a column about Clayton’s swansong, I hadn’t thought that his presence on the roster was in doubt.

For a knucklehead like me, figuring which three starters on any given team is a worthwhile exercise. I don’t pretend any specific interest or knowledge of the Padres or the Astros, that doesn’t mean I won’t have thoughts on where Hunter Brown slots in.

Without knowing who the Cubs will play in the wildcard round, I worry about Craig Counsell’s roster choices-forget about the rumors I’ve heard about the potential rotation. I understand that he’s loyal to newcomer, Carlos Santana, based on his contributions to the Brewers in 2023. However, he’s stunk on toast for the Cubs 1-19 in seven games. At some point Counsell has to choose production over veteran presence, the latter didn’t work in Cincy this past weekend.

Another fun discussion revolves around strategy and whether finishing hot or cold enhances one’s chances of a long run or playoff success at all. Ever since the Cubs coughed up the NL Central, Jed Hoyer & Co. have been saying, “just get in and anything can happen.” Funny, nobody who actually won a division says that.

If the right teams win this week, I hope to be on the road or in the air next Tuesday. All I can say is Cade Horton better be starting Game 1 for the Cubs.