FanHouse

There aren't many people around White Sox camp that thought Joe Crede would still be the team's opening day third baseman, but with every passing day, that scenario becomes more likely. The Sox have a few reasons to want to move Crede: to make room for Josh Fields, and because they don't think they'll re-sign him when he becomes a free agent after the season.

The problem is, even though they were hoping to move him before the season starts, that doesn't mean Kenny Williams and the organization don't hold the 2005 World Series hero in high regard. Unfortunately, the teams they're talking to don't feel the same way.

San Francisco, the most likely suitor for Crede, and the Sox have disparate evaluations that carry ramifications for both sides.

A talent evaluator familiar with both teams said the Sox were miffed the Giants' offers for Crede included since-released pitcher Scott Williamson; pitcher Randy Messenger, who was optioned to Triple-A Fresno last week; and veteran outfielder Dave Roberts.

The White Sox asking price of a top prospect and a young reliever is apparently too steep for the Giants, who prefer to offer players on their team they never planned on keeping anyway. Fortunately for Kenny and the White Sox, the Giants now have a division rival who are also interested in Crede.

The Dodgers had scouts in attendance for Crede's last game, and they're not too sure they want Nomar Garciaparra playing third base while Andy LaRoche recovers from a hand injury. Now the Sox will have some leverage in their trade talks, and it's still possible that Crede will be moved before the season. Though I think it's more likely the Sox will carry Crede along with them through the start of the season and try to move him at the deadline.