"This is great news," said Contreras, who defected in October 2002. "Friends have told me there's been a big difference (under Raul), and also Raul's comments have indicated they need to make changes, and in fact he's carried out some."

Though Cuba has a tradition of baseball excellence, only eight Cuban-born players were in the majors last season, all defectors. The White Sox's Alexei Ramirez is expected to join the group this year.

Baseball executives have long wanted free access to signing Cuban talent, and New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya said he hopes Tuesday's development is a step in that direction.

"Hopefully, there will be a day that players will be allowed to play here without defecting," Minaya said.

Others were more skeptical, including Minnesota Twins right-hander Livan Hernandez.

"He plays with people," Hernandez said. "One day they say Fidel is dead. Everybody celebrates. The next day, he comes on TV and says, 'Hi. Hi.' "

The Giants might be able to get Crede without parting with a pitcher like Jonathan Sanchez. Outfielder Fred Lewis is out of options and generated interest with several teams this winter.

While Crede is a free agent after this season, the Giants consider him a potential long-term piece because they have no third base prospects anywhere in the system. Crede might not be as athletic as the Giants would prefer -- he has four stolen bases in 701 career games -- but Rowand said his agility at third base ranks with Gold Glove fielders Scott Rolen and Eric Chavez.

''You look at him after they scored a run, look in the dugout, shaking people's hands in a different way. He brings a little flavor for the team, and that's one of the biggest reasons, besides his on-base percentage and what he brings to the table on the field, that we put him on this ballclub.