Spring Training: The First Cut

You know it's early in Spring Training when the pitcher is wearing number 88 and the center fielder has number 96 on his back. That was the case yesterday when the Orioles hosted the Yankees and the teams played to a 0-0 tie in nine innings.

But the first cuts are tomorrow and soon those football type numbers will be assigned to their Single or Double A homes. The first cuts are probably not too hard for the manager but may be the first time some of the younger guys have ever been cut. Last season on a spring training trip to Arizona we were introduced to several young players outside of a Scottsdale restaurant. They were with a couple of guys who had their spots on the team nailed down. We chatted for a few minutes and the new guys said goodbye. The next day they were cut. This year they are back again, non-roster invitees.

This is the time of year when the new guys play their hearts out and the veterans play four innings and head for the golf course. A time for everything. Even 0-0 tie games.