Allen Craig's knee may have influenced last out of WS...

Allen Craig met with the media briefly this morning before his signing session. He indicated that although he has started working out, he's not getting ahead of himself.

"I'm not running yet," he said. "That wasn't part of the plan at this point. I'm walking around great and doing light strengthening exercises. It feels really good. I feel like I'm on track if not a little bit ahead."

A lot has been discussed about Craig's knee since he played through pain in the postseason of 2011, making more than one significant play in the outfield that included catching the final out of the Series. When asked about that play at the BBWAA dinner on Sunday night, Craig again mentioned turning the wrong way on the ball before turning and making an adjustment to get back on the ball.

"I don't really know why I did that," Craig said about initially turning the wrong direction. But Monday's Winter Warm-Up scrum may have offered a possible explanation.

When asked about any discussions during the Series centering on Craig's knee and his ability to make potential plays in the outfield, Craig offered the following:

"Nothing specific but maybe subconsciously that's why I turned the wrong way (on the final play)...I don't know."

The statement brings back memories for Cardinal fans of David Freese's triple over Cruz's head in Game 6 to tie the game. It's possible the Cardinals came much closer to a similar fate than they would like to admit. With the World Series already infamous for it's quirks and mishaps as much as it's drama and comebacks, a misplayed potential out to end the Series in Game 7 would surprise no one.

Fortunately, Craig was able to adjust on the fly...and the rest is history.

- Kevin


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