In the 420-plus comments responding to my Nick Punto Day post, a handful suggested that bringing back Joe Crede would solve what they perceive to be a lingering problem at third base.

I don't need to go deep to respond to that one.

Joe Crede? Why not Tony Batista? Or Ron Coomer?

Over his last three injury-marred seasons, Crede has an on-base percentage of .293 and an OPS+ (where 100 is average) of 83. And if the idea is that Crede would provide some needed power in a lineup that skews to the left side of the plate, let me remind you that Crede has ZERO home runs against lefties in those three seasons.

Brendan Harris would be a better option, and shouldn't be discounted.

And while Crede did a fine job in the field when he was able to play, Punto's main value -- aside from being the Michele Bachmann of Twins blog commenters -- is defense.

That's all.