Allen Craig

2013

Subscribe now to see our 2013 outlook.

2012

The 27-year-old Craig has always been a good minor league hitter, but he didn't reach the majors until 2010, when he played five positions but didn't hit much in 114 at-bats. He topped himself in 2011, playing six positions, hitting .315/.362/.555 in 200 at-bats, and homering in the last two games of the World Series. He'll only qualify at outfield in most leagues, and he may not even have a regular job once he returns from November knee surgery, which will be no sooner than May, but given his improvement with the bat in 2011, he looks like he belongs in the majors now.

2011

Craig's bat has been very strong in the minors, but the lack of consistent playing time in St. Louis likely contributed to his poor numbers at the big league level. He played all over the field (though he only qualifies as an outfielder) and could do the same in 2010, but with Lance Berkman on board, his best shot is as a fourth outfielder. If he gets everyday playing time, however, he could be a nice sleeper. He's worth a reserve pick in NL-only leagues.

2010

Now that Brett Wallace is gone, Craig might be the best third baseman the Cardinals have - at any level. He's already 25, but if the last three years are any indication, he doesn't have much to prove in the minors. He hits for power and average, and while he could stand to work on his batting eye a bit, he doesn't strike out as much as other power hitters. If the Cardinals don't go after a free agent this winter, Craig could battle David Freese for the starting job in the spring.

2009

Craig continued his progression up the St. Louis system, hitting .304/.373/.494 in 506 at-bats for Double-A Springfield. He's not on the 40-man roster yet, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him eventually supplant Troy Glaus at third. Unfortunately, the Cardinals are stacked at that position, as Brett Wallace and possibly David Freese have brighter futures at the hot corner. Craig's future might be elsewhere.

2008

In only his second year in the minors, Craig blew through High-A Palm Beach, hitting .312/.370/.530, and he followed that up with three homers in seven games with Double-A Springfield. Craig's power improved every year he was in college, and he's continued his improvement since becoming a professional (28 homers and 40 doubles in 622 at-bats). He'll start 2007 in Springfield again, but with the Cardinals eager to rid themselves of Scott Rolen, Craig is a name to remember for keeper leagues.