What Should The A's Do With Bobby Crosby?

There's a question for the Oakland Athletics, with the recent signing of Orlando Cabrera and Nomar Garciaparra, that needs to be answered. The question is, what are the A's to do with Bobby Crosby?

Should the A's keep him, or should they trade him?

There are rumors that Crosby would like to be traded and be an everyday short stop. Something he definitely won't be for the A's with the signing of Cabrera.

Right now Crosby is getting time at third base. This is because Eric Chavez is recovering more slowly than originally expected from his offseason shoulder surgery.

The A's want Crosby as more of a utility player. They would like for him to see time at third base, short stop (when Cabrera gets a day off), and even outfield. This is the plan as of now, though Crosby has made it clear he wants to be an everyday player.

The problem for Crosby is that he hasn't been able to stay healthy. That is not to say that Garciaparra and Cabrera haven't had health issues of their own. The injury histories of the A's recent signings suggests they should keep Crosby on the roster. 

On the other hand, does it make sense to keep a player around who's struggled to play more than 100 games? Even further, does it make sense to keep an injury-prone player around as backup for other injury-prone stars?

The other problem with trading Crosby is his offense. He's a career .239 hitter, and his on base percentage is just .306. Last year he showed gap power with 39 doubles, but he only hit .237.

The uncertainty of his place in the order could be cause for his struggles. He batted anywhere from second to ninth. The most surprising part about Crosby is that he hit his best out of the five spot.

When Crosby batted fifth, which he did in 21 games last year, he batted .286, hit two homers, had 8 RBI, and 6 doubles in 84 at bats.

Not eye popping numbers by any stretch of the imagination, but maybe that's the best place for him.

Right now the trade value of Crosby is relatively low. His injury history, and poor offensive numbers, have lead to low demand. If Crosby can put together a solid season at the plate, and force himself into the lineup, then the A's should keep him.

If he starts the season slow, then he should be traded for minor leaguers.

More than likely Crosby will become the utility guy for the A's. Making spot starts anywhere from third base, short stop, outfield, and possibly second base or first base on occasion.

Keeping all this in mind, the A's should not look to trade Crosby.