Allen Craig to play in the outfield as Carlos Beltran to pinch hit – NLCS Update
St. Louis Cardinals have decided to bring Allen Craig in the outfield a day after Carlos Beltran had knee injury in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the San Francisco Giants.
Carlos Beltran, as the manager Mike Matheny had said after Game 3, will be on day-to-day. The team was considering using him as a pinch hitter for Game 4. However, while Matt Carpenter was to replace him in the offence, it was Craig whom the club deemed an appropriate replacement for him in the defence.
The last time Craig was on right field was back in September 4. Now that he has to take charge in this relatively more competitive field again, he is all ready to accept the challenge.
"I just have to go out there and trust my instincts," Craig said. "I've got some experience out there. You just play the game. It's no big deal."
While many may find the task an uphill one, Craig believes it will not be a big deal for him. "I haven't been out there in a while, but it's not a big deal," he said.
A quick look in this season’s stats shows that Craig has manned right field in 23 games. The fact that he has played 112 games as an outfielder shows the experience that he has in his impressive credentials, proving the club’s choice right and timely.
In the absence of as senior and experienced player as Carlos Beltran, his new task is undeniably tough, but being a player of decent talent, Craig is ready to handle the task.
Craig inspires awe for his heroics on the field, especially his last year’s scintillating performance in the World Series against the Texas Rangers. With the team gradually making its way into the World Series, Craig’s performance defensively and offensively will have immense importance.
The Cardinals will do their utmost to secure a comfortable win in Game 4 so as to take the lead to 3-1. If they successfully do it, they will be one win away from booking a spot in the World Series, competing against the American League Championship winner Detroit Tigers.
Tags: