Allen Craig has been found in left field at New Busch Stadium, cancel the Amber Alert!
Yesterday a profile was given on Jon Jay, whom will be half the platoon to take up the vacant left field spot until Holliday returns. However in my haste I failed to provide any sort of profile on the other half, Allen Craig. I initially didn't want to, because I thought can't someone else do it? But today I decided to give my fingers some exercise and give Allen his due.
Just like Jon Jay, he has 2 first names, and more importantly he has the talent and history to make some noise. He turns 27 this July, and has plenty of good years of production left. Whether that is as a starter in the future, or a role player, he will be able to contribute.
The last 2 years in Triple A Memphis Craig hit .320/.374/.547 and 26 HRs in 472 at bats in 09. In 2010 he hit .322/.389/.549 and 14 HRs in 306 at bats, as he spent some time in the majors. Craig had some growing pains in his first year in the majors last year, hitting just .246 in 114 at bats. But Mr. Craig had a great spring and looks to take that momentum into the regular season as he will see an increase in playing time.
So who is going to get the playing time? Craig or Jay? Well as we speak Craig has gotten the start, but the Cardinals are facing left handed Clayton Richard, and we know how TLR loves to play the numbers. If you were to ever see him at a casino, I guarantee you he wouldn't be playing roulette, because there is no in depth strategy you can use.
So I think despite the initial thought that Jon Jay, or JJ as I am sure he likes to be called would get most of the starts, I think they will split time somewhat evenly unless one of them really makes a strong case. Just 5 minutes ago Allen Craig, or Big Al, as I am sure he likes to be called did come through with a 2 out bases loaded, 2 rbi hit. These are the kind of results the Cardinals will need from BOTH JJ and Big Al until Holliday is ready to come back.
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