Immediately after Alexi Casilla’s looper was caught on a dive in chilly Chicago to end Minnesota’s magical 2008 season, attention turned to that one part of the Twins line-up that needed fixing.

Third base.

The club didn’t necessarily require another Gary Gaetti, but it was clear that the need for someone with a solid glove and some pop, preferably right-handed pop was needed.

The most suitable fit seemed to look a lot like long-time Twins nemesis Joe Crede, but with his recent injuries and asking price it seemed as though the opportunity for a solution had come and gone.

Not so fast.

Crede agreed to an incentive-laden, one year deal with a base salary of $2.5 million on Saturday to be Minnesota’s man at the hot corner. The contract could reward Crede up to $7 million should he attain specified at-bat totals, beginning at 250 and concluding at 525.

Crede not only demonstrates sick range and good power, but he will do so for a club that will require him to bat seventh. Crede will not be depended upon to carry the load, but rather to play his game, letting the heart of the order do the heavy lifting. It worked on the South Side, and if healthy, it should work for the Twins.