All Things Bubba

Bubba is apparently back in Manhattan. No, not to join the team. Probably to pack up his stuff to take back to Houston.

Bubba spoke to the NY Post about not being called up:

Bubba Crosby has gone from starting center fielder in last year's ALDS Game 5 to not being called up from Columbus by the Yankees when the rosters expanded. Even though he was under the impression he would be based on a conversation with Torre and what he believed Brian Cashman told his agent, Crosby isn't bitter toward the team that designated him for assignment on Aug. 4.

"I understand, it's time for me to move on and get the opportunity to play," Crosby told The Post from Manhattan yesterday. "I wanted to come back but I understand. I think this will be their year, especially the way they are playing lately."

With Kevin Thompson close to being recalled from Columbus after his leg healed (he recently fouled a ball off it) and the Yankees needing an infielder until Miguel Cairo returns from a hamstring problem, the Yankees promoted infielder Andy Cannizaro yesterday. That eliminated Crosby due to 40-man roster space.

"We had to put Cannizaro on the roster and we didn't have [another] spot right now," Torre said.

Cashman said he didn't tell agent Dan Horwitz that Crosby would be definitely recalled.

"I told him we would like to have him back. I never make promises I can't keep," Cashman said.

Bubba is a class act all the way. No complaining, like we get from some players who are cut (Buddy Groom and Kelly Stinnett come to mind).

I feel a little better, just to have heard from him. I'm glad someone cared enough to interview him. And it gives us fans a little bit of a sense of closure, especially since he was so classy about it. He seems determined to keep trying, and I'm happy to hear that he's not giving up.

But I also feel worse, knowing that he was expecting to be called up all this time, and wasn't. That must have really sucked. Poor Bubba.

And the excuse they gave - no roster space - blew chunks. I suppose they were just trying to be polite, but still - no roster space? They could have put Reese on the 60-day.

They just don't want Bubba. That's pretty obvious. If so, they should have been honest with him, and not let him keep thinking they were calling him up in September. Joe, you didn't treat this boy right.

Bubba, thanks for three great years. You always played the game right. Hopefully you'll land with a team that will give you a fair shot next year.