Tigers eyeing veteran infielder Bobby Crosby

Tigers eyeing veteran infielder Crosby
Club looking for options should free agent Everett depart

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

12/04/09 4:33 PM EST

DETROIT -- Could there be a Crosby sighting in the Motor City?

No, it wouldn't be Sid the Kid of hockey fame. But for the Tigers, Bobby Crosby could emerge as an alternative to Adam Everett if they need one.

An industry source confirmed that the Tigers have had multiple discussions on Crosby, including talks with his agent, Paul Cohen.

Like Everett a year ago, Crosby is hitting free agency coming off an injury-shortened season in which he did not end the year as a starting shortstop. Cohen told Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports earlier this week that landing in the right spot could jump-start things for the former American League Rookie of the Year, who will turn 30 next month.

Cohen told Yahoo that about a half-dozen teams were showing interest in Crosby. That was before the Red Sox reached an agreement to sign former Blue Jays shortstop Marco Scutaro on Thursday night.

Various published reports have linked interest in Crosby to the Rangers, Rockies and Pirates.

It's believed that at least three clubs that are interested in Crosby have potential openings at shortstop. The Tigers would be one, having used Everett along with Ramon Santiago this past season. Others would be interested in him as a utility infielder.

Crosby played in 97 games for the A's this past season, but made just two starts at shortstop behind Orlando Cabrera and Cliff Pennington. With just 272 plate appearances, Crosby batted .223 with 10 doubles, six home runs and 29 RBIs. He played a full season at short in Oakland in 2008, compiling a .972 fielding percentage with 17 errors in 144 starts while turning 99 double plays.

Crosby batted .237 that year with a career high 39 doubles to go with seven homers, 61 RBIs and seven stolen bases.

The Tigers maintain interest in Everett, but news has been slow on that front. The Red Sox had reportedly been in touch with Everett's agent before they reached agreement with Scutaro.

Whether it's Everett, Crosby or someone else, via free agency or trade, the Tigers are virtually certain to add a shortstop this offseason. Their current roster includes Santiago and prospects Brent Dlugach and Audy Ciriaco. Club officials have not viewed Santiago as an everyday player, and for now, they don't see Dlugach as ready for the Majors yet.

Moreover, adding a shortstop would allow the Tigers to use Santiago as protection at second base if prospect Scott Sizemore has a setback from his left ankle injury or otherwise struggles in the spring.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

I'd rather have Everett.

bobrob2004 wrote:

I'd rather have Everett.

me too!

I don't like this thought at all.

Tigers can probably cross off Crosby after acquiring Everett.

Everett signed, Pirates heavily after Crosby, won't fit here.