Crede-ence Revival

On the day of the San Francisco Giants Fan Fest, it was reported that the Giants have finally offered Joe Crede a contract. That's right, after all the hoopla surrounding the possibility of Manny Ramirez making his way up I-5 and joining the Giants, Sabes squashed Manny-Mania by potentially signing a 30 year-old Pedro Feliz clone with a bad back for more than he's probably worth.

Surprisingly, I'm okay with that.I'm more than okay; I'm ectstatic. Face it, Manny for $25 million a year for 2 or 3 years doesn't make a whole lot of sense for a team that is rebuilding. But take Manny out of it for a minute. We've heard the reasons for and against signing Manny for a month now. Why Crede? Why now?

Crede is looking for $7 million for one year. That's quite a bit less than what they'd have to spend on Manny. Crede plays third base, a position that at the present would be manned by Pablo Sandoval, Kevin Frandsen, and possibly Juan Uribe (minor league contract) or Rich Aurilia (offered minor league contract). None of these options are all that enticing. Sure, Sandoval showed a lot with his bat in his short big-league stint, but he is not a natural third baseman and lacks the range necessary for the hot corner. He'd be better served playing first base full time. Kevin Frandsen may not even win the 2nd base job, let alone be a productive 3rd baseman. He'll never put up the numbers you want from your everyday third baseman, unless some of his buddy Dustin Pedroia's mojo rubs off on him. Juan Uribe? He may not make the roster out of Spring Training. Aurilia's not even in the organization yet, and he's not getting any younger.

Obviously, there's a hole at third. Of the available third baseman, via free agency or trade, Crede is the only one who can contribute offensively as well as defensively. When I said he was a Feliz clone, I meant it. He has a great glove, his average is, well, below average, and he has enough pop to lead this team in home runs. He could potentially hit fifth or sixth in the lineup and provide necessary help to Edgar Renteria on the left side of the infield.

And the contract makes sense. We haven't heard what's been offered, but one year at $7 million wouldn't exactly break the bank. If he gets injured, then it's more of the youth movement and we can see if Sandoval can handle third base. I would consider this a one-year tryout for Crede to see if his back can hold up. If he performs well, I could see the Giants attempting to resign him for a few years, at least until Conor Gillaspie or someone else develops.

So let's break it down:

• Crede will only cost $7 million for one year where Ramirez would cost $25 a year for 2+ years.
  
• Crede fills a positional need while playing great defense and passable offense. Manny fills a lineup need with no outfield positions open and plays horrendous defense.
  
• Signing Crede would mean the Giants can relax and let trade offers come to them if they want to add a bat later on. Signing Ramirez would force the Giants to trade Lewis/Rowand/Winn and probably get little in return before the season starts.
  

In other words. I hope Crede takes the deal, no matter what it is. Then we can watch Scott Boras sweat over what to do with Manny and only one suitor. Consider it revenge for the whole Zito-debacle.