Brewers Sign Bobby Crosby to Minor-League Deal

Anybody remember Bobby Crosby? If you don’t, that’s okay. Although he was the American League Rookie of the Year back in 2004 with the Oakland Athletics, his career has been a colossal disappointment. Crosby has been out of baseball since 2010, until today, when the Milwaukee Brewers decided to pave the way of his comeback trail. The Brewers signed Crosby to a minor-league deal, with an invitation to Spring Training. He is the Brewers 19th non-roster invitee. If he makes the team, he will receive $800,000 plus up to $450,000 in incentives. He will battle for the backup shortstop position with Jeff Bianchi and Donnie Murphy.

Courtesy of http://bostonsports.mlblogs.com/2009/03/08/one-guy-is-out-the-other-gets-a-raise/

Crosby, 33, owns a career batting average of .236, so why would the Brewers take a chance on him? The Brewers are in need of a veteran presence, much like Craig Counsell or Gabe Kapler in recent years. Not only does Crosby have eight years of major league experience under his belt, he can aid Jean Segura and accelerate his progression.

Here’s what Doug Melvin had to say about Crosby via Tom Haudricourt:

"He’s going to come to camp and get a chance to make the club as a backup infielder. He can play all three infield positions. We might carry two (extra) infielders."

In all likelihood, Crosby will be out of a job once Spring Training is over. He will have to turn some heads and play out of his mind to beat out Bianchi, and I don’t see that happening. But, if I’m Bianchi, I would erase my name off of the World Baseball Classic roster, report to Spring Training early, and prove to Ron Roenicke that I belong on the team. There’s no point in playing in the WBC if you don’t have a guaranteed roster spot, even if your competition is laughable.

If somehow Crosby does in fact make the squad, he will just be another verson of Cesar Izturis—a veteran player who can’t hit to save his life. It just seems like another foolish signing to me.

What are your thoughts on Bobby Crosby? Can he make the team? Leave comments and questions below! Follow Justin Schultz and @ReviewngTheBrew on Twitter. Be sure to like us on Facebook, too.