Twins land 3B Joe Crede

[February 23, 2009]  FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Third baseman Joe Crede has agreed to a one-year deal with Minnesota, filling a major need on the left side of the Twins infield provided he can stay healthy.

Crede has had two major back surgeries in the last two seasons. He hit .248 with 17 homers and 55 RBIs last season for the Chicago White Sox. But the All-Star barely played in the second half because of recurring back trouble, which limited him to 47 games in 2007.

If Crede stays healthy, he fills two major needs for the Twins -- an everyday third baseman and a right-handed power hitter.

The Twins entered this spring planning to use Brendan Harris and Brian Buscher in a platoon at third base. They announced the deal with Crede on Saturday.

[Associated Press; By JON KRAWCZYNSKI]

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