Searching for Bobby Crosby

The A's placed one time rookie of the year shortstop Bobby Crosby on waivers this morning. For all intents and purposes, Billy Beane ended the 4 year professional relationship, casting him into the offseason market--hoping some other team will eat the $5.7 MM owed him for 2009. Crosby was not traded, he was simply released. After failing to upgrade the infeild with free agent Shortstop Rafael Furcal, the A's were forced to take a hard look at their current personnel. Crosby did not make the cut.

The son of Pro utility infielder Ed Crosby, Bobby exceeded all expectations when he exploded his rookie year (2004) hitting 22 homers, and knocking in 64 runs. He was picked, almost unanimously for the honor of outstanding rookie in the AL, joining the ranks of legendary shortstops Cal Ripken, Ozzie Guillen and Derek Jeter. He appeared to be the next big superstar for the A's... but that never really materialized.

Last year Crosby saw a full season's worth of playing time, and didn't do much with it. Fan expectations were that he would finally have his chance to live up to his potential. All he needed was a full season, free of injuries, to really shine. But instead he batted .237 and struck out a disappointing 96 times in 2008. If anyone was withholding judgement on Crosby's true colors, it appears we've seen them.

What happened? How did such a promising young star all of a sudden find himself out of a job? Crosby was lights-out in college, the minors, and his first year in the majors. It was easy to be optimistic about his development. But ongoing injuries, limited playing time and unknown intangibles all took a toll on Crosby's production since that breakout season, and he has become a career .235 hitter. Not exactly the stuff of miracles.

Shortstop is the most athletic of all positions in baseball. It requires a strong arm, quick feet and sharp instincts. There is a certain mystique to those who play it well; a talented shortstop is a natural... a baller. Crosby appeared to show all the signs of a gifted, agile infielder, plus he could hit. But nothing is forever. It's foolish to assume that talent and competitive fire will simply persist. Strength fades. Injuries pile up. Skills get less sharp, and before long the downward momentum catches up. For Crosby, it happened in the middle of what should be his prime.

It's unlikely any Major League Franchises will take an interest in Bobby. Evaluating talent is an inexact science, and the rule of thumb is to underestimate potential in order to mitigate risk. The chance that he will turn it around is a risky one. Moreover, most teams have a shortstop, and the attractive free agents have been snatched up. The market does not look promising for the 6th man to win rookie of the year for the A's.

Comebacks can happen, but like so many promising baseball players, Crosby will probably fade into memory. A's fans will remember him mostly for what we thought he would become. Sadly, he will be known more for for his potential (and failure to meet it) than for his successes. It is what it is. For what it's worth, I will miss him.

-J

Bobby Crosby, Athletics Shortstop: 2004-2008