Twins sign infielder Joe Crede

Minneapolis, Md. -- The Minnesota Twins have signed free-agent third baseman Joe Crede to a one-year contract.

The 30-year-old Crede, who was not offered a new deal in the off-season by his former team, the Chicago White Sox, spent time on the disabled list in both the past two years because of back injuries.

He played in only 97 games in 2008, batting .248 with 17 home runs and 55 RBI, and has not played in over 100 games since the 2006 season.

No monetary figure was disclosed by the team, but the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press reported his base salary is $2.5 million with the chance to reach $7 million with appearance bonuses.

In his career, Crede has batted .257 with 125 homers and 422 RBI, earning one all-star appearance.

To make room on their 40-man roster, the Twins placed pitcher Pat Neshek, who is recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery, on the 60-day disabled list.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.