Twins agree to terms with Crede

February 21, 12:02 PMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

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The Minnesota Twins have agreed to terms with free agent third baseman Joe Crede.  Crede has spent his entire eight-year career with the rival Chicago White Sox.  He was being pursued by the Twins and Giants this offseason.  GM Bill Smith must have found some change in the sofa, because the Twins have been reluctant so far to match Crede’s contract demands.

Crede is a bit of a gamble heading into 2009.  If healthy, he provides good defense and a power bat (though he hits for a poor average and doesn’t get on base frequently).  At best, Crede will be the perfect number six hitter in the Twins lineup.  At worst, his back problems will continue to keep him sidelined and likely end his career as we know it.  It’s probably a one-year deal for about $2.5M guaranteed so it’s well worth the risk – especially if your other options are Brian Buscher, Nick Punto, and Brendan Harris.

The Twins have lacked solid production at the hot corner since trading Corey Koskie to Milwaukee.  I would imagine that they’ve checked Crede out medically, and wouldn’t have signed him if there wasn’t at least a chance that he’s fully recovered.  Back issues don’t typically disappear though, so we’ll see if he’s able to complete his first full season since 2006 (also his best year).  If not, they’ll be forced to go with Buscher, who’s the anti-Crede (high average, no power).  Heck, even if that fails, they could always bring Koskie back, as he’s looking to make a comeback after suffering a serious concussion.  Overall a very solid move by Minnesota, who desperately needed more offense at the position.