Actually it does matter WHERE they get at bats and playing time. If they get called up, then will not get that many opportunites.

For one thing, Aaron miles and Randy Winn can switch hit, which is a plus. Even though miles is a switcher hitter, he only has 13 AB in over a week. He has had a grand total of 7 innings at 2nd base and none at short stop (where greene needs to play). the only reason why he had that many opportunites is because Freese was slowed a bit.

LaRussa does like veterans on the bench and you really can’t blame them. You don’t want to pigeon hole a young player as a bench player and its a tough spot for a player to learn.

Not sure what your point is about buying and trading guys to fill in. The cards entire infield, starting centerfielder, 2/5 of the pitching staff and most of the bullpen all came through the system.

Kopp may also still be considered post surgery and he’s doing fine where he is. What he needs is to get in the work he has missed over the years and as you say remain healthy. I agree with the walks, though some have been intentional.
I also don’t beleive in bringing up players just to send them down again in AAA or AA unless there is an injury, does it matter where they get in their innings or their at bats? What you do have to do is decide if you really want to keep buying and trading guys to fill in, or use your prospects.
Seems to me with a a good chance for contention each and every year, TLR perfers experience (Miles as an example).

Craig has only 10 games at first. He has played 27 in LF. He needs more time in the outfield. And he didn’t tear up while here. So you really can’t argue he is exactly ready. At least he is playing and still getting at bats. Somthing all players need, especially ones with less than 500 professional Atbats.

If he is called up, he will not be getting many at bats because he can’t play center. With Holliday and Ludwick, he will be primarily a right handed corner outfielder/1st base/Pinch hit. The cards already have that with Nick Stavinoa. How many of those guys can you really use? Maybe they split the pinch hitting duties. Stavinoa would probably still get a majority of the chances, leaving very little opportunites for Craig.

Unless Albert, Ludwick, or Holliday get hurt, leave him in Memphis.

I’m not sure how playing Allen Craig at 1B in Memphis is helping his progress towards the majors.

If they have options, I think its better for their development to leave guys like Jay (not yet a full year in AAA), Craig (still learning a position), Greene (still needs some defensive improvement) to get at bats and play everyday instead of brining them up to sit the bench.

Currently the cards have 3 outfield starters who get a majority of the playing time. They also have 3 guys (lopez, Shumaker and Ryan) for 2 infield spots. The spot where Jay could see some time would be Rasmus. Except Jay is also lefthanded so it doesn’t help there.

Now if a starter would go on the DL and a series of opportunites opens up in the line up, by all means call up a guy. But as part timers, leave them in memphis.