Crede making one last try at a return

In a last-ditch effort to salvage the season, White Sox third baseman Joe Crede is heading to Texas next week to consult with another back specialist.

"Hopefully it's good news, and we'll move on," said Crede, who is going to visit Dr. Andrew Dossett in Dallas.

Crede hasn't played since Sept. 2 at Cleveland, when the pain in his lower back flared up again. It's the same problem that landed the 30-year-old infielder on the disabled list from July 25-Aug. 24.

Crede also had back surgery on June 12 last year and missed the rest of the season. He still is hoping to overcome increasingly long odds and play again this year.

"It's still a little sore and I'm just taking it day to day," Crede said. "We're going to get another opinion and just kind of go from there. You're always hoping for the best. As a baseball player, you're used to coming to the field and doing stuff every day.

"Right now, for me personally, it's beyond frustration. It's really just hard to talk about because you are so used to doing the same thing every day, getting to the field, hitting, then going out to the field and stretching with the guys."

Since leaving last week's game against the Indians, Crede has spent most of his time in the trainer's room.

"I have not done any (baseball activity)," Crede said. "Just a lot of stretching and heat and ice right now, just kind of treating the symptoms as they are."

Even if he gets good news in Dallas, Crede is running out of time in his bid to return this season. Eligible for free agency at the end of the season, Crede is almost certain to be wearing a different uniform in 2009.

"I love Joe Crede," Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "People know how I feel about him - personally, his family and on the field. Joe Crede is real special to me. I talked to him and said don't worry about (free agency).

"Vladimir Guerrero was a free agent after he was hurt almost all year and he got his money. Magglio (Ordonez) was hurt all year and he got his money. He just has to worry about himself first. I'd like to have him back, but that's not my choice."