Could Bobby Crosby be Coming to Detroit?

MLB.com’s Jason Beck (via MLB Trade Rumors) is reporting that the Tigers and former A’s shortstop Bobby Crosby have “mutual interest“, and the Tigers could view him as their starter at short.

As Beck’s column notes, Crosby is coming off an injury shortened 2009 season where he started just two games at short, playing behind Orlando Cabrera and Cliff Pennington.

Crosby will play next season at age 30, and he hasn’t lived up to the potential shown early in his career.  This could be a chance to the Tigers to nab a low-cost option at shortstop, and Crosby has experience at all the other infield positions as well, so he would provide depth behind third baseman Brandon Inge and be an insurance policy should Scott Sizemore struggle at the big league level at second.

There are a handful of other clubs mentioned as having interest, but most would view Crosby as a reserve.  If he came to Detroit, Crosby would certainly be in the mix to compete for the starting gig at short.

UZR/150 wasn’t kind to Crosby’s defense at shortstop last season, but he played only 26 innings at the position.  From 2004-2008, Crosby consistently rated as an above average defender.  Crosby’s constant injury struggles have affected his hitting as well; he hasn’t posted an OPS over .700 since 2005.

Beck also notes that the Tigers are maintaining interest in bringing back Adam Everett.