Bobby

Crosby

Crosby had been managing in the minors for the A’s and earning a strong reputation in the process; he’ll likely be a major league managerial candidate someday. With Crosby taking over at first, Mike Aldrete is now a co-hitting coach with Chris Cron. Bench coach Darren Bush remains in that role, but he’s also now added the title “director of hitting.” If only Oakland had one of those last year, maybe the offense wouldn’t have totaled 56 fewer runs scored than the league’s next worst team.

Crosby, who was hurt Sunday, took batting practice yesterday and should return soon.

Crosby was also injured in the collision that left Mark Ellis with a dislocated shoulder.

Crosby, a first-round pick in 2001, is the leading candidate to replace Miguel Tejada at shortstop in 2004.

Crosby entered Tuesday batting .303 with 20 home runs and 84 RBI. He’s expected to be Oakland’s starting shortstop next season with Miguel Tejada leaving as a free agent. Even if he gets a September callup, Crosby is not likely to play much. He’s still a nice pickup in keeper leagues, though.

''He’s struggling,’' manager Ken Macha said. ''I’m more concerned about his mental state than anything. ... It probably feels like he’s not doing as well in the power area as he’d like. After batting practice, I told him to relax, you’ll start to get your hits again.’' Owners of Crosby don’t need us to tell them he’s struggling, but he should get it turned back around soon. He also hasn’t homered in 26 games and 105 at-bats.

Mark Ellis and Adam Melhuse also had three hits and Melhuse and Jay Payton each drove in three runs. Crosby has broken out of a slump by going 7-for-17 the last four games.

Unfortunately, he also made an error that led to two runs in the loss. At least his slump is showing signs of ending. When he went 0-for-4 yesterday, his OPS dropped below 800 for just the second day this season.

Crosby’s injury isn’t expected to keep him out for very long, but we’ve heard that before. Marco Scutaro will play shortstop with Crosby out, and the A’s are expected to call up either Mike Rouse or D’Angelo Jimenez from Triple-A.

``It went very well,’' trainer Larry Davis said. ``He was able to swing the bat live on the field, did not hurt doing it, and did not hurt after he did it. Now we’ll see how he feels tomorrow.’' Crosby will likely be activated from the disabled list on Tuesday which is the first day he is eligible to return.