The difference in opinion over the value of Joe Crede is about as wide as the gap between the White Sox third baseman’s 2006 Silver Slugger Award season and his .080 spring average.
San Francisco, the most likely suitor for Crede, and the Sox have disparate evaluations that carry ramifications for both sides.
A talent evaluator familiar with both teams said the Sox were miffed the Giants’ offers for Crede included since-released pitcher Scott Williamson; pitcher Randy Messenger, who was optioned to Triple-A Fresno last week; and veteran outfielder Dave Roberts.
The source said the Giants believe Sox general manager Ken Williams’ asking price — one of the Giants’ top prospects and a serviceable young reliever — was too steep for a 29-year-old infielder coming off season-ending back surgery.
Among San Francisco’s top young players are 17-year-old infielder Angel Villalona, whose listed 6 feet 3 inches and 220 pounds has scouts worried he eventually could be limited to designated-hitter duties because of his size, and 2007 first-round picks Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson, two pitchers drafted out of high school.
Baseball America’s experts ranked the Giants’ 2007 draft fourth best among the 30 major-league teams. But no player from that draft can be dealt until the one-year anniversary of the signing of his first professional contract, and he must be identified as a player to be named if he is traded.
The Sox, according to the scout, also have inquired about left-hander Jonathan Sanchez. But the Giants are facing pitching issues after losing left-hander Noah Lowry to a hand injury through April and appear inclined to keep Sanchez.
Crede was a star of the Sox’s postseason run in 2005 and followed with his best year in 2006, hitting .294 with 30 homers, 94 RBIs and Gold Glove-caliber defense. But by keeping him, the Sox run the risk of stunting the development of Josh Fields, who probably would open the season at Triple-A Charlotte despite hitting 23 homers in 100 games for the Sox last season.
And Fields, like Crede, is strictly a third baseman. The Sox have ruled out moving him to left field after he struggled there during a four-week audition late last season. Fields has five hits in his last two games after a 2-for-22 start.
The Sox could retain Crede until they get an offer that satisfies their desires, perhaps waiting as late as the July 31 trading deadline.
The Dodgers had a scout at the Sox’s game Tuesday against Texas. They currently are sticking with Nomar Garciaparra at third while Andy LaRoche recovers from a hand injury that could sideline him through May.
The Giants, however, let Pedro Feliz leave as a free agent and lack a seasoned third baseman who can fortify one of the weakest lineups in baseball. Crede would be reunited with former Sox teammate and chief recruiter Aaron Rowand to help cultivate the “warrior” approach that Giants manager Bruce Bochy has advocated this spring in the post-Barry Bonds era.
Like the Sox, the Giants would face the challenge of retaining Crede for more than one season, as he can become a free agent next winter.
But the Giants have a much better relationship in dealings with agent Scott Boras than do the Sox, which makes Crede’s time in Chicago seem limited.
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mgonzales@tribune.com
