Joe Crede

Joe Crede told Kelsie Smith of the Pioneer Press that he wants to return to the Twins in 2010, though he's prepared for another long job search this offseason. The third baseman didn't sign with the Twins until Spring Training this year, partially because of concerns over his health. Crede has missed time because of back injuries over the years and the injuries forced him to the DL last month.

The Twins signed Crede to an incentive-laden deal that will pay him at least $4MM by the season's end. He could attract similar offers this offseason, but it would be a surprise to see any team commit significant dollars or years to Crede. The 31-year-old offsets his .229/.293/.421 batting line with strong defense (according to UZR/150), but Crede realizes he may have another tough offseason ahead.

Joe Crede tells MLB.com's Tyler Mason that in spite of some recent rumors suggesting he's considering retirement, he has no such intention.

"I know I have more years in me. I still love the game," Crede said. "I have no plans of retiring."

The Chicago Tribune reported Saturday that Crede might opt to retire after the season, but Crede says he has no idea how those rumors emerged. Crede has had back trouble throughout his career, but he's only 31 and he's managed 15 homers this year.

According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, Twins third baseman Joe Crede might opt to retire after this season.

Crede has dealt with back issues for years and was placed on the disabled list Friday night after an epidural failed to relieve his ongoing lower back discomfort.  At the young age of 31, it'd be a tragedy to see him go, but he's a free agent in the fall and obviously has the right to end his career on his own terms.  Crede is a .254/.304/.444 career hitter.  He won a Silver Slugger award in 2006 and was named an All-Star for the first time in 2008.

SATURDAY, 10:48am: La Velle E. Neal III heard from a source that the Twins are expected to announce the signing this afternoon. Crede is apparently on a plane to Fort Myers.

Neal adds the terms of the contract. The Star-Tribune’s source suggest the deal guarantees Crede $2.5MM, but could pay him up to $7MM depending on how many plate appearances he makes. The incentives start at 250 PAs and continue until Crede comes to bat for the 525th time.

FRIDAY: Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune cites "a major league source" who says that Joe Crede and the Twins have agreed to terms. No details of the contract were available, but La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune wrote earlier tonight that it appeared Crede "is willing to sign for less than the $7MM base that we believed he was seeking."

Even battling back issues, Crede’s third base defense is among the game’s best.  Last year he saved 13 more bases than the average third baseman despite missing a third of the season.

6:36pm: La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that there are indications that Joe Crede "is willing to sign for less than the $7MM base that we believed he was seeking."

Neal reached Boras, who would only say, "We are in discussions. Nothing has been finalized."

Neal adds that he spoke with another person with knowledge of the talks. "The sense I got was the that Smith and Boras could be one call from wrapping things up," Neal says. "But given the several weeks that talks have gone on – and with full-squad workouts set to begin – the Twins could decide to stick with what they have and move on."

6:04pm: According to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle, Giants sources say they are "not in last-minute negotiations" with Scott Boras regarding Crede. The Giants have told Boras they will not go beyond the one-year deal they have on the table.

4:11pm:According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, the Twins are closing in on a deal with third baseman Joe Crede.