Twins Shifting Attention Back To Crede?

The Minnesota Twins are seriously considering re-signing third baseman Joe Crede after spending the offseason considering trade options and watching the free agent market, according to a source close to the situation.

Per the source, the Twins were close to acquiring San Diego Padres’ Kevin Kouzmanoff this offseason, but talks have since simmered down because the Padres apparently are now liking the idea of holding onto their starting third baseman.  At first, the the Padres liked the idea of acquiring players to plug in holes in their lineup, but have since decided that Kouzmanoff is affordable enough to hold onto and can easily be traded down the road.

Free-agent Mark DeRosa is reportedly leaning towards signing a two-year deal with the San Francisco Giants, and other free-agent options including third baseman Troy Glaus, Garrett Atkins and Chone Figgins inked deals with other clubs.  History says free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre doesn’t want to play in Minnesota, and his price tag appears to be much larger than the Twins would like to pay.

The market for Crede’s services appear to be very minimal and the Twins will likely pursue a similar one-year deal they offered him last season.  The source said the Twins will continue to watch the market, but unless Kouzmanoff becomes available for the price the Twins like (the price of pitcher Glen Perkins), the Twins are content on re-signing Crede.

Bringing Crede back would mean the lineup would look a little something like this:

C: Mauer
1B: Morneau
2B: Punto
3B: Crede
SS: Hardy
OF: Young
OF: Span
OF: Cuddyer
DH: Kubel

This is a solid defensive lineup with the potential for some power from both sides of the plate.

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