Postseason Tryout, Episode One

This weekend's games mean nothing to the team, but there are some individuals to whom they mean quite a bit. Assuming Cox's mind isn't already made up, there are bench and bullpen slots yet to be decided for the NLDS, so these last few contests should serve as last-chance tryouts for those on the bubble. Looking into the crystal ball, and assuming (perhaps wrongly) an 11-man pitching staff, they are:

Position Players (2 open slots)

Todd Hollandsworth
Kelly Johnson
Brian Jordan
Brayan Pena

Pitchers (5 open slots)

Horacio Ramirez
Blaine Boyer
John Foster
Jim Brower
Macay McBride
Kyle Davies
Dan Kolb (just kidding...making sure you're paying attention)

Since I've already posted about who might/should make the playoff roster, for the next few days I'll just concentrate on who has helped or hurt their case in each game:

Thumbs Up -- Foster. He's been our designated lefty reliever all season, so the only question is whether he's healthy enough. Two batters, two outs. The second batter, Juan Pierre, had a runner on third with two outs. Despite his struggles, Pierre is one of the last guys you want to see in that situation, as any slap hit would have scored the run. And he's a lefty, to boot. This is the exact situation that Foster will be needed for in the playoffs. He's in. Really, the pitching staff is an easy call (even the execrable Brower gets in) if Boyer can't go. If he can, looks like it'll be Brower vs. McBride for the final slot.

Thumbs Down -- Pena. Pinch hit, struck out. Hey Bobby, Orr can catch in an emergency!

Thumbs Sideways -- Jordan, KJ, Hollandsworth. Jordan managed a sac fly, but looked bad on Treanor's single, making a poor (and futile) throw to the plate, allowing Treanor to take second. KJ struck out twice, but nailed Conine at the plate. Hollandsworth managed a walk and a run. No clear winners yet, and I imagine all three will appear in both remaining games.