All Things Bubba

The Reds have updated Bubba's player page. He is listed as a right fielder, and has been assigned #16.

He couldn't have #19, because fellow outfielder Chris Denorfia has it. The Reds have retired #18, in honor of Ted Kluszewski. And #17 is being worn by catcher Javier Valentin. So that left #16 for Bubba.

Bubba wore #19 when he first put on a Yankees uniform in 2004. In 2005, Al Leiter was given that number while Bubba was down with the Clippers. So when Bubba was called up again, he switched to #18. In 2006, newly acquired center fielder Johnny Damon wanted to keep wearing #18, the number he wore with the Red Sox, and asked Bubba what he wanted for it. Bubba gave up the number and switched back to #19 (which had been freed by Leiter's retirement) without asking anything in return. (Though Damon slipped a Rolex into Bubba's locker in thanks.) When Bubba was last in Columbus, he wore #27. And now he's #16. I have a feeling it will be a lucky number for him.

Scout.com is having a "free preview" weekend. Their usually subscriber-only content is available for all to view. For example, this Overview Of Yankees Outfield Prospects:

Crosby may be the closest player the Yankees have to the big leagues. He was acquired from the Dodgers for Robin Ventura at the 2003 trade deadline. While his age has greatly diminished his chances of making a splash in the majors, he could still be a solid reserve player or even possibly a starter. Has a good eye with a quick line-drive swing. Crosby has decent power and is able to hit the ball to all fields. A solid defender with an adequate arm. His only chance to make the Yankee outfield now is if injuries were to strike.

Then there's scouting report on Bubba. (It's from 2004 - the last time he was considered a prospect.)

Crosby's best tool is his command of the strike zone. He doesn't strike out much and puts the ball into play with authority. Crosby is a line-drive hitter that uses all parts of the field and his speed to get on base. He used to be more of a threat to steal bases, but he has suffered several minor hamstring injuries that may have cost him a step. The injuries may be a result of his all-out style of play. Crosby plays hard and is always running to beat out ground balls. While still playing for Rice, he was compared to former major-leaguer Lenny Dykstra for this....

Batting and Power: A good eye, quick swing and good contact abilities are Crosby's trademarks. He doesn't have serious power and only projects to hit around 10-15 homeruns a season, if that many. He could hit around .280 in the majors, however.

Base Running and Speed: Crosby used to have 25-steal potential, but hamstring injuries and possibly a disinclination to steal bases have hindered that. He is a very good baserunner however and still has good speed. He hit nine triples this season.

Defense: In college, Crosby was a centerfielder, but he's played mainly left field as a professional. He has a good glove and an adequate arm.

Projection: Reserve outfielder. He's been compared to Mark Kotsay, but I think that might be a bit generous.

ETA: 2004. Crosby is ready for the majors right now. The problem is that he may not have a chance to play there if he stays in the Yankees' organization.

As a Yankees fan, I was unhappy to see Bubba go. But objectively speaking, it's probably for the best. The Yankees, enamored with superstars and homerun-hitters as they are, were never going to give Bubba a fair shot. He's better off on a team that appreciates speed and defense. And the NL should be a better opportunity for him. Bench players are a lot more important in the NL than in the AL.