Chan Ho Park, Fossum, and J.Johnson would have been cut long before Cuddyer if it was my team. Sure it's a decision making process, and different choices are part of the fun of being a GM. I've made my share of dumb cuts and trades over the years, but my it was my call.
I have found that when I cut guys I want to keep, I plan on drafting them in the FA draft, but usually keep seeing other players that I go after first, and therefore...rarely get back the guys I thought I wanted to keep. Many players are interchangeable!