The Cardinals have had uncommon success in recent years with righthanded-hitting infielders who played college ball in the San Francisco Bay Area and, after becoming outfielders in the major leagues, emerged as the most successful hitters in the National League with men in scoring position.
First, it was former University of California shortstop and third baseman Allen Craig, who hit .435 with men in scoring position for the Cardinals in 2012-13, leading the National League the latter year at .454. Craig lost his way after suffering a freak foot injury late in the 2013 season, got traded to Boston and now finds himself toiling for the Red Sox’s Class AAA Pawtucket farm team, with little hope of reaching the majors anytime soon.