Through a series of roster moves yesterday, 2012 NLCS MVP Cody Ross was designated for assignment by the Oakland Athletics less than a month after being signed. A few days prior to Oakland's singing of Ross, the Arizona Diamondbacks had cut ties with the outfielder while eating the $9.5 million left on his contract. Injuries the past few years have seriously hampered Cody as he hasn't played over a hundred games since the 2012 season, which has gave way to other guys taking his opportunities and running with them.
So far 2015 has started ugly for Ross, in 22 at-bats he has hit a weak .091 while hitting zero homeruns and posting an ugly .200 OBP. With Cody not doing much at the plate, and his defense not really bringing anything besides a solid arm in each corner, there isn't a reason to keep him around when the A's have Billy Burns. Not to mention Coco Crisp who was expected to be out with an elbow injury until sometime in June, is way ahead of schedule and expected to be back around May 8th.
Throughout Cody's career he has been known as a great clubhouse guy so he will definitely catch on somewhere. There is no doubt though at this point he is no longer an everyday player. The best position to insert Ross into would probably be in a platoon situation where he can just mash lefties. Also not having to play a significant amount of games on a regular basis will go a long way towards Cody reaching that goal of staying healthy for a full season.
The former World Series champion is running out of chances at the Major League level though, wherever he gets an opportunity next he is going to have to succeed if he wants to continue to stick around for the nearby future. If he signs somewhere else and doesn't perform, he might have to head back into the minors to prove himself once again. Which is something no veteran ever wants to think about, over the years at that point many different guys have just opted for retirement instead of enduring that struggle.
The A's moves today besides the DFA of Cody Ross included righty R.J. Alvarez and outfielder Billy Burns being recalled from AAA, with reliever Eric O'Flaherty going on the DL with a left shoulder sprain.