San Francisco Giants dark horse trade deadline options

Jun 17, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

1B/OF Allen Craig

Remember the 2013 All-Star first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, Allen Craig? The Allen Craig who finished 18th in NL MVP voting in 2013?

Unfortunately for the Red Sox, this is the same Allen Craig that has a batting average of .130 in the 53 games he has played with them since he they acquired him back in 2014. In fact, Craig had played in 24 games this year in front of the Fenway faithful before the organization had seen enough and decided to demote him to AAA Pawtucket.

Live Feed

Call to the Pen

So, why would the San Francisco Giants want to trade for a “has-been?”

Well, in Craig’s career in the National League (2010-2014), he has a career batting average of .291 with 57 home runs. On top of that, in his two years as the Cardinals starting first baseman (2012-2013), he averaged 94.5 RBIs and 17.5 home runs with an OBP of .364.

That’s not too shabby.

If the Giants could find a role with Craig and allow hitting coach “Bam Bam” Meulens to help him find his swing, the Giants may find the power bat off the bench that they’ve been looking for.

Although Craig’s inconsistency and expensive contract of 2 years, $12.4 million is risky, he could be a huge lift to the Giants bench.

Next: Rajai Davis