DENVER -- What was once a cameo and later became an experiment has now become an opportunity for Cardinals infielder-turned-outfielder-turned-infielder Allen Craig.

Though Craig isn't in the lineup tonight as a second baseman, La Russa said this afternoon that the position has become more than a lark for the second-year slugger. It could be a career. The manager pulled Craig aside recently to tell him that if he bought into the position switch it could be a way to keep his bat in the lineup -- and perhaps a way to remake his career as a power bat at the position.

"That's one of the things I told him," La Russa said. "It's an honest comment. He could be a second baseman and with his offense be a big benefit to the club which would be a big benefit to him as far as playing time and money. It's not a wacky thing where there's nothing to gain."

As I type this, Joe Pettini is hitting grounders to Craig at second base during BP here at Coors Field.