Yankees Watching As Crosby Plays Third

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Bobby Crosby of the Oakland A’s has been playing third base since they signed shortstop Orlando Cabrera. A couple of teams, including the Yankees, have taken notice.

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“He has been playing some third after the A’s signed Cabrera, auditioning for a job. So far, he looks very stiff at third, and according to one scout, “You can tell he’s resisting this with every bone in his body. He wants to play short, and that shows in his body language.” The Yankees and Cubs have been watching, but neither has bitten. The Cubs are giving veteran Corey Koskie, trying to make a comeback from vertigo, a chance in camp while the Yankees still insist Cody Ransom is Alex Rodriguez’s replacement until further notice.”

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Crosby at third base is certainly an interesting idea and probably one that the Yankees have discussed internally. My guess is that they are going to pass unless the A’s practically give him to the Yankees.

After being a first round draft pick in 2001, Crosby hasn’t lived up to expectations. He’s spent a lot of time on the DL, but even when he was healthy he didn't perform well. Since his debut in 2003, Crosby has only had two full healthy season—2004 and 2008. In 556 at bats last year, Crosby hit just .237 with a .645 OPS. That OPS wasn’t far off his career mark of .686.

With those numbers, it’s hard to imagine that he could do much better than Ransom, which is why I said the Yankees are likely to pass unless he’s practically given away. Even then, I’m not sure they would take him. I guess as a former No. 1 draft pick they could think his potential might be higher.