Allen Craig

After spending eight-plus years with the organization that drafted him, Craig was shipped to Boston as part of the deal that sent John Lackey to St. Louis. At the time of the deal, the Red Sox thought they were getting quite a haul for Lackey: a third or fourth starter in Joe Kelly and Craig, a .300-hitter between 2011 and 2013 that earned MVP consideration (2012, 2013) and an All-Star nod in 2013. The transition to Boston did not go well, and Craig was immediately placed on the disabled list with a foot injury, raising concern because it was a foot injury that derailed his 2013 season. The Red Sox and Craig insist there are no issues with the foot, which should allow him to go through a regular offseason. For now, the hope is that Craig can focus on offseason training and begin a full season with his new organization. General manager Ben Cherington cited Craig's track record going back to his college days as evidence that he'll bounce back, but how he fits into the team's 2015 plans is not particularly clear.

Craig finally got a shot as a full-time player in 2013, but he wasn't able to take full advantage due to some nagging injuries that held him to 563 plate appearances. Craig's HR/FB (11.2%) rate was unusually low in 2013, which could be the result of pitchers throwing him fastballs just 28.1% of the time, down from 33.3% the season before and 37.0% in 2011. His BABIP (.368) also suggests that there may be some decline in the batting average department, although he's carried a .345 BABIP as a big leaguer thanks to a steady supply of hard contact. Craig is still in his prime at age 29, and he could have a monster season in 2014 in the heart of a potent Cardinals lineup.

No one is ever going to replace Albert Pujols, but Craig played well enough to keep the Cardinals in contention all season. Injuries kept Craig out of action for much of the first two months of the year, but when he was in the lineup, he hit like his job depended on it. He was consistent - hitting five home runs and driving in 16-19 runs in May, June, July, and August - and he started at first base when it was clear Lance Berkman wasn't coming back. He's 28 and doesn't have many miles on his tires. As long as he stays healthy, we could see a career year in 2013 with an opportunity to seize everyday at-bats.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.