Getting to Know: Allen Craig
February 19th, 2010 | by Ryan Boyer |Over the next several days I will be profiling some of the more interesting prospects that have been invited to the Cardinals’ major league camp.
Today we’ll be looking at hitting prospect Allen Craig.
| Year | Age | Level | AVG | AB | R | 2B | HR | RBI | SB | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 22 | Low-A | .257 | 175 | 21 | 13 | 4 | 29 | 0 | .325 | .400 | .725 |
| 2007 | 22 | High-A | .312 | 423 | 77 | 25 | 21 | 77 | 8 | .370 | .530 | .900 |
| 2007 | 23 | Double-A | .292 | 24 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | .320 | .750 | 1.070 |
| 2008 | 23 | Double-A | .304 | 506 | 84 | 30 | 22 | 85 | 2 | .373 | .494 | .867 |
| 2009 | 24 | Triple-A | .322 | 472 | 78 | 26 | 26 | 83 | 3 | .374 | .547 | .921 |
Craig was taken in the eighth round of the 2006 draft out of the University of California. As you can see, he has basically risen a level each year, and he’s hit well, in some cases quite well, at each level.
What is not included in the numbers above is where Craig has played defensively, which has been everywhere on the diamond but pitcher, catcher and center field.
| Position | Games Played |
|---|---|
| 1B | 60 |
| 2B | 1 |
| SS | 3 |
| 3B | 246 |
| LF | 99 |
| RF | 2 |
It’s usually not a good indicator of your defensive prowess (or lack thereof) when you’ve been moved all over the field like Craig has, and it’s true that he is known for the bat, not the glove. The four games of middle infield action he saw was in his first year, and the Cardinals might be better off putting Yadier Molina at either of those positions over Craig. And while he has played far more games at third base than any other position, he’s viewed as a well below average defender there, as well. To his credit (sort of), Craig has rated as an average defender in the outfield.
The fact that he has played so many different positions (albeit not well) could bode well for Craig’s chances at landing an opening day roster spot, as we all know how much Tony La Russa values versatility. But the bottom line is that Craig’s value is going to come from his bat.
Not only did his final numbers from last season stand out, but Craig simply murdered the ball in the second half to the tune of a .405 average, 18 home runs and 51 RBI in just 195 at-bats (that’s a homer for every 10.8 at-bats, for those who are counting).
If he can hit as well as he did last spring (.444/.531/.667 in 27 at-bats), Craig stands an excellent chance to make the club as a backup at the corner outfield and infield spots. The Cardinals seem poised to go with a young bench, with Craig, Joe Mather and Jon Jay all having real shots at winning a roster spot.
It would be a bit of a surprise if both Craig and Mather made the team, as they are pretty similar players both offensively and where they can play on the diamond. Jay’s chances of winning a spot are increased by the fact that he hits left-handed and can play center field (though Mather has played a bit of center in the minors, too).
Tags: Allen Craig, Joe Mather, Jon Jay
By Mark on Feb 23, 2010
Sounds like Craig is the Cardinals version of Jake Fox (who was traded to the AL to act as a DH).
Who do you think has the edge between Craig and Mather?
By Ryan on Feb 24, 2010
I would give a slight edge to Mather, based on experience, comments I have read from Tony La Russa and a better glove. They could still both make the team, though.