The MLB trade deadline is approaching and so far, we’ve seen a lot of speculation, but not much action. Verlander, Gray, Darvish. These big names have been floated but so far, nothing.
It’s hard for most of us to imagine. Every day, you worry that your job may send you to another city. You have no control over it. Your family may be comfortably ensconced in a place where they have made friends and established roots, only to read in the papers that their whole infrastructure may be disrupted and there’s nothing you can do about it. After illness and divorce, moving is one of life’s highest stressors.
I know that the response many will have is — too bad. These guys make millions. They are rich and famous for playing a kids’ game —- compensated far more than they are worth. They travel first class, dine at the finest restaurants, live in mansions.
All this is true, but they also exist on a razor’s edge. A few bad games and they can be sent packing. Forced to spend a winter of discontent seeking another job. And after age thirty five, they are likely washed up. Then what?
So I do have sympathy for their families. Not as much as for those who can’t find ANY job and even though they can stay connected to their roots, must struggle to survive. But this week, a lot of big leaguers aren’t sleeping very well, wondering what fate has in store for them.
