Could Third Be Dayan Viciedo's?

Now that Joe Crede has signed an incentive laden contract with the Minnesota Twins, could this mean Josh Fields demotion? It certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility. While you are scrambling to connect the dots, let me explain.

Joe Crede will potentially be playing with a division rival. If his back holds up, he will be playing many games with a division rival. Frankly, I don't see that bad back playing too many games on that artificial surface, but the opportunity is there.

Josh Fields has been playing under Crede for the better part of two years. This would have given Crede an advantage to study the work ethics and fielding habits of Josh Fields on a level that no game tape could possibly provide. If Josh hasn't changed his fielding drastically, the Twins could exploit those habits whenever they played the Sox. Josh has been working extra hard this offseason and is said to be a completely different player.

On the other hand, Dayan Viciedo has not been seen by too many organizations yet. If he is half as good as the White Sox claim, Dayan should have no trouble fitting in on the major league level. Does that mean that Dayan will get the nod over Fields? No, but it is a factor to think about during Spring Training. I wouldn't be surprised if that has already been discussed internally with the White Sox. Dayan could have a greater impact on the Sox than Alexei Ramirez did in 2008.

Whatever happens, I wish Joe Crede the best of luck in Minnesota. That is all the luck when he's not playing the White Sox. Another piece of the World Series team is gone.

Stick A Fork In Crede

His White Sox career is done.

While nothing is absolutely set in stone, the second opinion on Crede was not good. Nobody is saying exactly what it said, but Ozzie said that Crede may be on a team next year... sitting things out.

Does this mean that Joe Crede's collecting stock will plummet? I hope not, but the outlook does not look promising. On the bright side, this may mean that I can now get Joe Crede rookies very cheaply. Anytime I can bolster my White Sox collection, on the cheap, is a great day for me.

It's too bad about Joe. I like Joe. He was part of a great number of Sox related memories for me. I blame his scum sucking agent, Scott Boras for the hushed tones from Crede's camp. Sure, Boras usually gets top dollar for less than spectacular talent. While doing so, he also bleeds his clients dry. Boras puts his clients in unnecessary situations and holds teams hostage. Short term, this may seem like a good idea. Long term, it's damaging to the reputation of anyone associated with him.

So long, Joe. It's been a slice having you on the South Side.

In the wake of Crede's news, the Sox have been slowly mounting a playoff run. Game by game, they seem to be inching their way into the postseason. The biggest test will be on Tuesday. The Sox face the Twins in a three game showdown that could decide the season, in Minnesota.

The Sox need to win at least one. If they can manage to sweep the Twins, which is no easy task, they will glide into October on a high. If the Sox get swept, you can see October hopes floating away. Anything can happen in the last week of the season. Sox and Twins fans are both bracing themselves for a great series.

You may have noticed the lack of posting over the weekend. Well, I took most of the weekend and spent it trying to track down Tracey's cousin in Resurrection Cemetery. Yes, the same one which supposedly is home to Resurrection Mary. I had the section number, the block number, the lot number and the grave number and we still couldn't find her cousin. Yet, we went to the cemetery next door and relying on 15 year old fuzzy memories, found her grandparents with no problem. Go figure.

The rest of the weekend was spent on Facebook, thanks to J.V.'s invitation. As some of you have discovered, I have contacted you as a friend, if I was sure of your identity. I'm shocked at how many people have the same names, even if isn't a terribly common name. I even found someone else with my name. If you seek me out on Facebook, I'm the one not pictured with a family for the profile picture. I won't be giving out that info on this site, but if we've become friendly enough to send non-trading related e-mails (and enough to know my last name) then look me up and I'll add you as a friend.

This may seem like a potpourri of information for a post that started about Joe Crede, but it always goes to show you. It's always something. If it's not one thing it's another. Goodnight Roseanne Rosannadanna.

Joe Crede's 2008 Plans

Joe Crede avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year $5.15 million contract yesterday. Is this a move to keep Crede on the team or a move to trade him? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

This could be a good deal if Joe stays on the team and returns to form. The only bad thing about that scenario is the blocking of Josh Fields. Crede's defense is superb and his bat is a little lacking, but he comes through in the clutch. That's a stat that's not easily measured.

If Joe were to be traded, he could land a starting pitcher, a few bullpen arms, good prospects or, dare I say it, another stab at center field. One of the best combinations would probably be a true center fielder and a solid middle reliever.

I don't pretend to know what the Sox have in store for Joe Crede. If he stays, then his defense will be a wonderful asset but he'll be blocking Josh Fields' progress. If he goes, he will be sorely missed but the Sox may get a few decent players and Josh Fields can get a full season in at third base at the major league level.

All I know is that there are decisions still to be made before the season begins. Hopefully, they will be decisions that will right this ballclub. Whatever happens, I'll still be rooting for you Joe.

2007 Bowman Heritage

I'm really excited about this new release. I picked up 4 packs from a local dealer the day it went live. I got Joe Crede (left), Jim Thome and prospect Chris Carter. All in the same pack. No Sox rainbow foil cards, but it's only a matter of time.

This may be one of Joe's last cards in a Sox uniform. He looks a little bemused about that fact. He also looks like he may have traveled back in time to old Comiskey. That may be the reason he has that smirk on his face.

To be honest with you, I didn't expect too much with this year's product. After the pretty disaster the 2006 set was, Bowman Heritage had nowhere to go but up. Unless they were simulating the 1993 Metz Baking design, they were going to be better. By "pretty disaster", I mean they were very cool to me when I opened the first pack, but by the third pack, I started to feel ill. No more puke-like muted colors or simulated printing errors. It probably sounded better before the product rolled out.

The rainbow parallels look fantastic! Much better than the crappy, very dingable, chromey fiasco of 2006. The prospect cards are a different design thankfully. Modeled after 1954 Red Heart no less! A beautiful, classic design. The short print variations are not for every card. There aren't a never-ending parade of parallels. Well done Topps! Why can't you do this to your main line? Don't restrict this thinking to just the companies you bought out.