Crede Downplays the Boras Factor™

by The Cheat on Feb 25, 2006 7:08 PM CST in News Comment 4 comments

Clutch isn't just a part on a car.

A couple of quotes from the Sun-Times point to what may be a long-term deal for Joe Crede in the works.

Kenny Williams notes that Crede's back is something they have to consider, but it shouldn't prevent the Sox from extending Crede.

"We entertain and explore all multiyear options with our core players, and we consider [Crede] to be one of those core players," Williams said Friday. "However, you have to have a reasonable gauge of long-term health prognosis.

"Fortunately, Joe has really been able to manage and maintain his back since he originally hurt it last season. That gives us a lot of optimism about his future. As more time goes on and answers are given to us, we'll entertain the idea [of a multiyear deal] to a greater degree."

Perhaps more importantly are the quotes from Crede, himself, in regards to his representation, Scott Boras.

"You do hear people say that Boras' guys are puppets, but no, that's not the case with me," Crede said. "That might be the case with some other players, but not with me.

"Ultimately, the player is who has control of the situation. If you want to sign for this, you sign for this. If you want it to be handled by the agent, you let that happen. Ultimately, you also want to get the fair deal at the same time."

First of all, it's nice to hear that Crede is looking for a deal. For the most part, Boras' Modus Operandi is to get his clients to free agency, and thus big money, as quickly as possible.

It's also a welcome change that we continue to hear about guys wanting to stay on the South Side in particular. It wasn't too long ago that you rarely, if ever, heard a player say it was most important for him to stay with the Sox. In the past few months we've heard it from Frank Thomas, Jon Garland, Paul Konerko, and now Crede. I have to think that Ozzie Guillen's presence has played at least a small part in this shift.

I still think it's in the Sox best interest to take the wait-and-see approach with Crede, especially since he said he would be open to negotiating during the season. If Crede's hitting .290 with 20 HRs at the All-Star break, it's time to lock him up; but if he's still the same model of inconsistency that we've watched over the last 3+ years, the Sox should just continue to give him one-year extensions to avoid arbitration.

Crede gets his $$$, now is he ready to breakout? - [South Side Sox]
Sox back to back talk - [Sun-Times]

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Interesting...

I don't remember where I saw this but Crede's average
stinks when leading off. Its not very good if he comes up without men on base either - 1 or 2 outs. It seemed to me he took his HR cuts in these situations and either hit one or struck out. My recolection was that there were RBI stuations he did much better in than others. If I had that page in front of me I'd elaborate. But it seemed pretty clear at the time.

My interpretation was his average did not reflect his ability as much as it reflected his thinking at the plate. Therefore I think a breakout year will be a product of not just a new swing but also a new approach.

Thoughts?

Comonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn You White Sox!

by zokmaad on Feb 26, 2006 12:11 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

This whole organization is changing....

in front of our eyes. This next season might be more important that 05. If we make noise this season, and go deep into the playoffs, this franchise could become elite.

Guys coming to the Sox for cheaper than other offers, players making this a target in the off season, current players wanting to come back to the Sox. All these things NEVER happened 3 years ago, but all the sudden we are seeing a big change. I love it.

by Tony82087 on Feb 26, 2006 12:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

perhaps

George Constanza was hired. Next up: Cotton uniforms.

AIM: shaftr01

blog

by shaftr on Feb 26, 2006 12:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cotton

I would have thought George was right about that. Did you know that baseball uniforms used to be wool? The 59 Sox uniforms were. I almost bought one becasue I hate polyester. But it was a bit pricey.

On another completely unrelated note - Sox tickets are more going for more on Stub Hub than Cubs tickets. That includes openening day and Sox/Cubs series.

I think this is a huge make or break year for the Sox in terms of making a move in Chicago towards being THE team here (I know, DUH). Everything is in place. Now they need to execute. But I still think they have to make the playoffs no matter what the Cubs do to pull this off.

Comonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn You White Sox!

by zokmaad on Feb 26, 2006 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs