Mark Berman's Blog

The Houston Astros released outfielder Jose Cruz, Jr. and replaced him on the roster by calling up outfielder Reggie Abercrombie from Triple-A Round Rock.

Reached on his cell phone after the Astros made the announcement Cruz expressed sincere dissappointment but also great pride in getting the opportunity to wear the Astros uniform in his hometown.

"I knew when I was called to the manager's office and saw General Manager Ed Wade there and other club officials that this was it," Cruz said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

"I came into spring training to try and earn a spot on the roster. It was a long shot but I had great pride when I earned the job."

Cruz said there were several things that motivated him to get it done with Houston.

"First of all I wanted to play with my father (Astros first base coach Jose Cruz, Sr.)," Cruz  said.  "Also I wanted to get ten full years in the Major Leagues which I did in May.

"Plus I wanted the chance to complete the trifecta. I played high school ball at Bellaire and college ball at Rice. Because I played for the Astros I did that  and I think that's great."

However, Cruz was very worried about his father who starred with the Astros from 1975-1987 and currently works for the team.

"I didn't want him to have a heart attack because I wasn't successful," Cruz said.  "I told him now he can relax."

With the Astros Cruz hit .122 after getting six hits in just 49 at bats. He's dissappointed he didn't get more playing time.

"I couldn't do much with the opportunity that I had," Cruz said. "It was as hard a draw as I have ever had."

Cruz began his career in Seattle and played for nine different teams in his career. He showed how much class he has by praising the man who replaced him on the roster and the team that released him.

"I know Reggie," Cruz said. "He has great athletic ability and great talent.

"The team is made up of a bunch of great guys. They can accomplish a lot."

As for his future, Cruz knows he may have played his last game in the big leagues.

"I am not saying I am retiring, but there's a good chance of it," Cruz said. "Maybe this is it for me."

Cruz was a high school and college star in Houston and he said the fans made him feel like that in the big leagues as well.

"I thank the fans for supporting me," Cruz said. "The fans made me feel good.

"They made me feel like a star here."