Coming off an off-season in which he was recovering from shoulder surgery that happened in the aftermath of the celebration that was the 2011 World Series, most people had no clue what to really expect from him--but before the injury and surgery, he was highly touted as being one of the 'future' househeld names in Saint Louis surrounding this team.
During the post-season run last season, Craig finished the title run with fifteen games played and had just thirty-seven at-bats--but you can bet that he made the most out of them. He hit four home-runs--including three in the Fall Classic, and had eight runs' batted in. He had nine hits, scored nine runs, and also had an On-Base-Percentage of .391 as well as a OPS of 1.013.
Now, in 2012, with just thirty-nine games under his belt following his recovery, the 6'2, 210 pound beast from Mission Viejo, California is batting .297 with thirteen home-runs and 42 runs' batted in. In just 148 at-bats this season, he has already accumulated more home runs (11), and RBI's (40) in less at-bats (200 in 2011).
He has continued to show more and more improvement every season since his rookie season in 2010--and he isn't just doing it at the plate either. He is also doing it in the field with his glove as well.
As we all know, once Lance Berkman's time with the Cardinals is up, Craig will be taken over the role at first-base--which in all reality, made and makes it a lot easier to deal with the aftermath that was left over following the departure of all-time great, Albert Pujols. As for now though, Craig has been doing a superb job for this organization as an all-around utility man and is taken over the headlines.
While many people around baseball learned quite a bit about the twenty-seven year old last post-season, if they didn't completely learn then, they are quickly finding out about him now. Craig finished tonight's game with two home-runs and has hit four home-runs in the past four games overall.
I truly believe the kid will play a huge part for this organization during many great moments and memories for the Cardinals for many years to come--possibly even a few more World Series titles along the way--the only determining factor in it happening or not in my honest belief would be injuries--and while he has had a lot of injuries in little time with this team, only time will tell any of us just how good or great this guy can truly be.
One thing that is for sure though, Allen Craig is already a fan favorite. The guy has arrived.
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