Allen Craig wants to play in NLCS, St. Louis Cardinals unsure of his status

I can’t imagine there is much worse (at least in the world of professional sports) than sitting on the sidelines (or dugout) and watching your team play because you’re injured. You either are disappointed you can’t help them if they’re losing or you’re disappointed you can’t take part in the winning.

That’s likely how St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig feels as Craig missed the seesaw NLDS against the Pittsburgh Pirates and will likely miss the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a foot injury.

But the RBI machine says he doesn’t think he should be counted out yet:

"“We’re going to find that out real soon,” he said. He expects to meet for that discussion today."

While the Cardinals certainly enjoy the enthusiasm, Craig’s original expected date of return was late October and the team reportedly is less optimistic about his return date then they originally were.

To Craig’s credit, he’s fully aware that he’d be extremely limited in the field so if he is to make the NLCS roster, he expects to be nothing more than a pinch hitter who would be a pretty elite weapon off the bench.

Of course, in postseason play, you really need versatile talents on your bench – somebody that can come in and steal a base or play defense, not just somebody who can pinch hit. Should be interesting to see which way the Cardinals opt to go.