Crede played in just 47 games before going on the disabled list for good in early June. When he went on the DL, he was hitting .216 with just four homers and 22 RBI—numbers that would make the 2004 Crede cringe.
Fields came in for Crede, played well, and the writing looked to be on the wall—Crede, of course, would be traded.
Of course, his trade value was nil in the offseason, despite the glowing reports coming from agent Scott Boras.
He hasn't experienced any injury problems this spring, but he's hit poorly, diminishing his trade value even further.
Granted, Fields hasn't hit much better. But he's not the one on the market.
Unless you're in Crede's situation, you take spring training with a grain of salt. After all, Jolbert Cabrera leads all hitters with 10 RBI. Abraham Nunez led all hitters in home runs a few years back.
If Crede doesn't hit well and his trade value remains at zero, then why not keep him as a late-inning defensive replacement? It's a known fact that Crede's defense is superior to that of Fields (and most third basemen in the league, too).
Plus, there's almost no chance Crede is back with the Sox in 2009. Williams has a record of not dealing with Boras' clients.
So even if Crede does do well, Fields will be at the hot corner in 2009. Sending Fields to AAA could seriously stunt his growth.
It's not that I want Crede gone.
I just want Fields to start.
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