They say the first cuts are always the hardest. In a few days, the Astros will have to cut their roster from 63 to a much more manageable number. It’s basically a really awkward moment for everyone.
The Coaches
The coaches have to be sympathetic and encouraging while still being professional. They know that the player probably isn’t ready for prime time or that they just didn’t have a shot against a veteran, but to the player, they have to be a rock that has a few flowers on top.
“You played good, kid. Go down to the minors and really work on hitting a fastball.”
“It just wasn’t your time, but if someone goes down, you are going to be at the top of the list to come up to the bigs.”
And the hardest to say of all…
“We just don’t feel that you have a future with our organization.”
The Players
The other players have two faces. One face is sympathetic and tells the player that they know they will see them again soon. As wrong as it sounds, the other face is relieved. They know that they have another week to try to make the team. The veterans have it the hardest. Because their job wasn’t in danger, they have to reach deep to not seem aloof or overconfident. And I am sure it breaks their heart a little too.
The Fans
As fans, we like to get to know our team. It’s always crushing to have a favorite player get cut. Your joy deflates and you get mad at the team for not asking your opinion before making the decision. Luckily, we now have the internet — a very public forum on which to vent our displeasure.
The Player
I’ve been laid off twice and while the first time was much worse than the second, both of them were demoralizing and upsetting. You can’t help yourself from feeling inadequate. For a newly cut player, it’s even worse. This is your dream. You’ve worked hard since t-ball to make it to the major leagues and now it has come crashing down.
Nobody can say anything to make you feel better. You don’t want to call your wife or parents. You don’t want to look for an apartment in a minor league city. You don’t want to feel the claps on your back as you hang your head and walk out of the locker room. It’s a pretty rotten, embarrassing, sad, upsetting, angry, humiliating time.
Like I said, the first cuts are always the hardest.
