Comments on: What will the Cardinals do with Allen Craig when Lance Berkman returns?

By: uclafightfightfight

uclafightfightfight — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 22:08:12 +0000

You’re right. We’re better off with Carlos Lee. Actually, let’s just stick with Loney. Even better, how about someone who is unproven so we can send some prospects for a guy who might tank it with us. Lance Berkman is a great hitter, and he can help us contend this season. We can worry about a long-term fix later.

By: willsolo

willsolo — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 21:50:59 +0000

Yeah, lets just add a guy who is coming off knee surgery and is in the latter stages of his career. Makes perfect sense!

By: uclafightfightfight

uclafightfightfight — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 20:56:44 +0000

The Dodgers are looking for a first baseman. They might be able to get Berkman for a reasonable price, being that his health is in question. If he does come back healthy, he can change the Dodgers’ line-up entirely.

By: paperlions

paperlions — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 20:26:29 +0000

Did you guys know that Todd Frazier is hitting .278/.344/.562 (OPS: .906), with 8 HR, 27 RBI, 1 SB, and fWAR: 1.5?

By: jengibre23

jengibre23 — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:59:32 +0000

I would use him at 2nd because he can play there an also he brings slot more power to the team.

By: rooney24

rooney24 — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:24:24 +0000

This same question came up the first time Craig came off the DL. It worked itself out that time, as half of the guys involved missed time. Can Beltran play two games a week in CF?

In a six game week (if Beltran can play 2 games in CF):
Beltran – Three games in RF, two games in CF
Holliday – Five games in LF
Jay – Four games in CF
Berkman – Five games at 1B
Craig – 1 game at 1B, 1 game in LF, 3 games in RF

I would guess something similar to that could work. If Beltran can’t play CF, then Craig only get 1 game in RF and 1 or 2 at 2B. It is a better problem to have than to have a full DL.

By: rcali

rcali — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:21:25 +0000

Trade Berkman to a team who still believes last year was the new norm for him.

By: thomas655

thomas655 — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:52:03 +0000

I would think that Craig should play second base if he can play the position defensively reliably. If he is even close to as good a defensive second baseman as Greene or Schumaker, he sure has more offensive punch than either of them. Then use Greene, Schumaker, and/or Descalso as backups/pinch hitters/day off relief players for the starters as needed. Yes it is a good problem to have, but I would not trade anyone until we see what Berkman’s status of recovery is. It is also good to have some experienced players on the bench just in case…… Maybe Craig and Berkman can alternate at 1B and right field to give each other’s legs a break once in a while.

By: stlouis1baseball

stlouis1baseball — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:36:35 +0000

A better question would be…

Tony: Hey Allen, can you play second base if I give you more than 12 – 15 innings at the position?

Allen: I think so if given the opportunity to get comfortable.

By: saints97

saints97 — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:10:47 +0000

The Cardinals prefer light-hitting, poor-fielding second basemen. Craig only meets half that criteria.

Kolton Wong can’t get through the system fast enough.

By: ajcardsfan

ajcardsfan — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:07:34 +0000

It was mentioned in another post yesterday I think, but Berkman could go to DH for a year or two. I would think Houston could get him for a reasonable offer

By: paperlions

paperlions — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:44:50 +0000

Well….you can repeat that same conversation with Skip and Greene. At least with Descalso they get some defense….though he seems to be fairly inconsistent as well.

By: sabathiawouldbegoodattheeighthtoo

sabathiawouldbegoodattheeighthtoo — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:26:22 +0000

Trade Berkman to Detroit, where he can either play CF or 2B. Really, would it make their defense any worse?

Seriously, too many excellent bats right before the trade deadline when your team needs some starting pitching. Even a young lad from Schenectady, like myself, can figure this one out.

By: metalhead65

metalhead65 — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:15:34 +0000

why is this even a question? according to the book of dusty baker you bench the young kid no matter how well he is doing untill the veteran,berkman in this case comes down with another injury or needs the day game after the night game off. you can try squeeze in to another position for the occasional start if he has ever played before in his life or he becomes your top pinch hitter off the bench. yea it does not make any sense to Reds fans either but they are in first.

By: stex52

stex52 — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:10:06 +0000

BTW, thumbs-down guys. I don’t really expect the Cards to trade Craig to the Astros. Doesn’t hurt to suggest, though.

By: stex52

stex52 — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:08:02 +0000

We love Berkman in Houston, too. But if you think St. Louis needs to think of the future, imagine how much more Houston does. The guy is great, but the Astros are rebuilding from the ground up.

By: thefalcon123

thefalcon123 — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:06:35 +0000

Just do what Tony LaRussa did.

Tony: Hey Allen, can you play second base?

Allen: No.

Tony: Ahhh, sure you can!

By: ultimatecardinalwarrior

ultimatecardinalwarrior — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:55:02 +0000

No no no no no. I think Craig is our 1B man for the next 6 years. He’s such a quality hitter. Would you like Berkman back? I love the guy, but…it’s time to think of the future.

By: redguy12588

redguy12588 — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:31:06 +0000

Lot of talent, but a lot of injury prone guys. Good chance the decision will be made for Matheny.

By: stex52

stex52 — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:24:41 +0000

Nice problem to have, I guess. Would they like to trade Craig to Houston?