We haven't heard much about him this winter, but Joe Crede -- who just last season was an All-Star -- is still out there looking for work. The Twins could really use a third baseman, which is why Joe Christensen is on the case:
Free agent third baseman Joe Crede looked good in Wednesday's workout in Arizona, triggering some new contract offers, but none so far from the Twins, an insider told the Star Tribune today.
The Twins had Sean Johnson, their Western Scouting Supervisor, at the workout, but no word yet on how they graded Crede's performance. Crede took 75 swings and fielded 50-60 ground balls.
Another team reportedly interested in Crede is the Giants. Like Eric Gagne, Crede is represented by Scott Boras.
Crede, 30, batted .248/.314/.460 in 97 games for the White Sox last season, with 17 home runs and 55 RBI. He had a herniated disk in his back in 2007, limiting him to 47 games, and basically the corrective surgery didn't take.
So Crede had the procedure done again, and this time there is hope he can regain his All-Star form. Crede is believed to be seeking a one-year deal with a base salary above the $5.1 million he made last season, along with incentives.
I've generally defended Crede in the past, but right now I'm looking at a guy coming off two back surgeries and one OPS better than league average in his past six seasons. Friends, that's not good. Not for a player who will turn 31 in three months. On the other hand, Crede's defense generally has been
quite good, even in the midst of his back problems. And if he's given a clean bill of health, he
is good enough to play regularly for a contending club. I think he'll wind up with a job, probably with a club that knows how to evaluate (and value) defense.
Rob Neyer
