Just coming off from back surgery that limited him to only 47 games last year, Joe Crede is back and ready to battle with Josh Fields who replaced him when he was hurt last year. Crede, an excellent fielder, needs to prove to the team that he is fully healed and ready for the grueling schedule of the big leagues. As a rookie last year, Josh Fields did a very good job filling in for Crede. Fields produced well at the plate last year batting a decent .244 and hitting a surprising 23 home runs and 67 RBI. Crede only topped Fields’ production of 23 home runs one time, and that was the 2006 season, his last healthy year. Crede definitely has the edge in fielding, committing only 10 errors in 147 games in 2006 while Fields committed 9 errors in 79 games last year. Ozzie Guillen has mentioned that Fields is the starter until Crede can prove that he is fully recovered and in a position to help the team. However, the two are embracing the competition and we all know that the competitive nature will bring out the best in each of them. My bet is on Crede making it back into the starting position within the first couple weeks of the regular season if not at some point in spring training. An honest, spirited competition at third base, just another exciting aspect of what we have to look forward to concerning the South Side Sluggers.
