Commuting - surly cross check too big?

Greetings,
So just bought a 58 Surly Crosscheck for commuting and light touring about a week ago and it feels pretty big. Standover is okay but the reach isn't.
To make it rideable I know right off I am going to have to get a way shorter stem. I already have my seat jacked forward which is probably not a good solution.(?)
I am 5'11 3/4" barefoot. I know this doesn't spell out a whole lot.
So the handlebars and saddle height are about equal(as recommended by rivendall) but not quite a fist full of post as recommended by Rivendell. Is this okay on the cross check? I've noticed this to be more common on LHT but not on the crosscheck, probably b/c it is more "sporty" But again I am trying to use this bike as a "do all"
not racing. Is this a stupid idea to make the cross check bigger for "all purpose".
I'm just worried. I want to have this bike for a while and want it to fit properly not compromise.
Should I try to dial this fit in by getting a shorter stem or concede that this bike is to big and get a 56? or maybe a LHT? It is for commuting and touring so is a bigger frame okay perhaps for pannier clearance, stability etc?
Aaarrgg! Thanks for any help!
Signed,
Frustrated

I've got an X-Check as my do-it-all bike. It's my daily commuter and my distance bike and my errand/grocery bike.

I got a fitting done when getting set up on mine, but there's no reason why you can't adjust the X-Check to the same comfort levels as any other distance/touring bike.

- Move your seat so your knees (when viewed from the side) move as close to straight up-and-down as you can get them.
- From there, adjust the height/reach on the stem. You want to have as natural an arch to your back as possible, and a comfortable angle to your elbows. Don't support your weight fully on your arms, or you'll tire too quickly. Sometimes just a 0.5cm difference in reach or a 1 degree angle change will make all the difference in the world on a long ride.

I opted for a barely below-the-saddle bar height for a bit less aggressive positioning on distance rides even when I'm in the drops, and a comfortable upright position when on the hoods or flats.
http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/5c2/9e2/5c29e26a-60ba-4a19-a7f8-4310add599bf

It's too big, you need a 56 cm.

If it's not too late, swap it out for a 56. You sound like one of them folks with long legs and a shorter torso, so while the standover on the frame might be fine for you, the top tube is too long.