Battle For Third

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Mar 13, 2008 4:46PM

With Opening Day fast approaching, the one event we were certain to happen in Sox camp this spring has yet to occur. We figured that by now, Joe Crede would be sporting a new uniform and Josh Fields would be firmly entrenched at third base.

With Crede coming off back surgery that cost him most of the '07 season and entering the final year of his deal, Sox management seemed set on replacing the risky and higher priced third baseman with the younger Josh Fields -- who hit 23 home runs after replacing Crede at third. But with Sox GM Kenny Williams underwhelmed by the offers he's received, both player remain on the Sox's roster and are battling for the starting position.

Couldn't they find someplace else for Fields to play? Last year, the Sox tried Fields in left field for a while, but during SoxFest, White Sox GM Kenny Williams made it pretty clear that both Crede and Fields would not be on the field together.

So is that still the case, Kenny? Williams seems fine with starting Crede starting the season at third base. But after the potential that Fields showed, how can you possibly let him waste away on the bench or ship him down to AAA?

Given the lack of a clearcut favorite in center field, we'd suggest moving Nick Swisher there and giving Fields another shot in left. At least until somebody's third baseman goes down and the offers for Crede improve.

Photo by AP