Crede an option to return at third for Twins

Renee Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

Third baseman Joe Crede had a few highlghts during the 2009 season for the Twins, until it was ultimately derailed by his back, again.

The Twins have considered retaining Joe Crede, despite his third lower-back surgery in as many years.

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: November 13, 2009 - 12:17 AM

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Joe Crede was on the Twins' radar at this time last year, though not much was made of it publicly, General Manager Bill Smith said.

Now, Crede is a free agent again, recovering from another back surgery, and he remains an option to fill third base for the Twins in 2010.

"We've got a lot of depth [at third base]," Smith said. "We're going to look at what's available in free agency, what's available in trade, and what's available in-house."

At this week's GM meetings in Chicago, Crede's agent, Scott Boras, said his client's third lower-back surgery in three years made a difference. Boras said it was a minor procedure to remove tissue that was putting pressure on a nerve.

"They finally feel like they've got it to a place where they've got it," Boras said. "Joe's report on it is he's never felt better, so he's really looking forward to coming back and playing a full season."

After signing a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Twins, Crede earned another $1.5 million in incentives, as injuries limited him to 367 plate appearances. He batted .225 with 15 home runs and 48 RBI.

The Twins' in-house third base options include Nick Punto, Brendan Harris and Matt Tolbert, along with prospects Danny Valencia and Luke Hughes.

Valencia, 25, has been labeled the third baseman of the future, but insiders say he will need more seasoning at Class AAA Rochester. Crede, 31, could serve as a stop-gap.

"The great thing about Joe is you're hiring on a one-year contract," Boras said. "It's not often you're going to get that level of a player to sign for one year."

Washburn update

Another Boras client the Twins are expected to pursue is free-agent lefthander Jarrod Washburn, who lives in Webster, Wis., about two hours northeast of the Twin Cities. Boras said Washburn also feels much better after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.

Washburn, 35, was named AL pitcher of the month in July after going 4-1 with a 1.44 ERA for the Mariners. Then he got traded to the Tigers and went 1-3 with a 7.33 ERA in eight starts.

"[His knee] was barking after his first start in Detroit, and he really had a tough time just putting weight on his landing foot," Boras said. "He tried to gut it out for three or four starts, but it was clear the pain became pretty intense.

"They went in and got his cartilage in place, got that stuff out of there, so he's fine and ready to go."

Etc.

• Twins catcher Joe Mauer won his third Silver Slugger Award, after being voted by major league coaches and managers as the best hitter at his position.

• David Winfree, the Twins 2005 Minor League Player of the Year, became a minor league free agent last week, but Smith said the team is trying to re-sign him. Winfree, 24, batted .273 with 14 home runs and 61 RBI for Rochester.

• The Twins are scheduled to unveil a new-look road uniform along with subtle changes to their home uniform Monday at IDS Crystal Court. The Twins have worn the same primary home and road uniforms since 1987.

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