It's probably best right now just to stand pat and see if we can blow a wad on an impact corner player next year. With the unbelievably optimistic exception of trading beans for Fields, our best 1st and 3rd options in 2008 are seriously Frandsen, Aurilia, Ortmeier, Feliz, and McPherson.*

And nobody really wants to watch Feliz again if we can give Frandsen a shot instead, and McPherson is looking more and more like a non-option with every day. That only leaves guys who are already on the roster.

But crede is basically Pedro Feliz. Why should we trade for a Feliz replica when we can just sign the real thing without giving up arms?

*Possible exception to this being the increasingly unlikely trade with the Reds for Encarnacion.

"General manager Brian Sabean said Wednesday he fully expects manager Bruce Bochy to give the younger players lots of starts.

"I think at this point it looks favorable," Sabean said. "I think the players realize that, and Boch and the coaching staff realize the transition we're in. To not give guys like Frandsen and Ortmeier a chance to play, in the phase we're in, would be counterproductive."

Which is not to say their jobs are stamped in ink. Sabean said he remains in the trade market, and to a lesser extent the free-agent market, in a search for offense and a regular third baseman - and the roster should be considered "fluid" into spring training and even beyond."

Oh, and a Pedro Feliz update...

"Pedro Feliz apparently is gone, with Sabean saying, "We made a two-year offer, which he rejected. We've pretty much moved on from there." There are other third baseman coming off injuries who might be available via trade - most notably Joe Crede and the already-dealt Scott Rolen, and Sabean acknowledged he is monitoring them."

I also won't believe that until I see it as well.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/01/23/SP4OUKCCF.DTL

Am I wrong in reading this as the OP thinks Miguel Cabrera was on the Rays?

Also, if the -Marlins- had been willing to give us Cabrera for one of Caincecum I would've been all about it.

I still stand by my thoughts on Crede.  I've talked to ChiSox fans who are in love with Crede, and would love to have him back, but think that their new kid is the answer at their 3B.  So, why not?  He hits better than Feliz if you actually look at his stats.  He's bats Right.  He's got a cannon, and is quick on his feet.  What's not to like.  He shouldn't cost Cain/Lincecum after coming off of back surgery last year.  

Maybe...

I will be content with what we've got if in Spring Training I see what we have show some signs of life and not booting every third ball hit their way, but until then I can dream, and it's not too far off from what I can see.