Red Sox's Craig: 'I know I can hit in this league'

Allen Craig enters spring training with the Boston Red Sox in an unenviable position. 

Poised to be a prime bounce-back candidate following a career-worst season at the plate that was attributed to a persistent foot injury, the former All-Star now finds his name buried on the depth chart. 

With as many as seven players biding for time in the outfield this season and no shortage of teams in search of help, Craig is viewed as a possible player to be dealt, though he hopes to remain in Boston regardless of his role. 

"I'm just focused on what I need to do," Craig told Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. "I'm not paying attention to trade rumors or anything like that. I'm with the Red Sox and I'm going to get myself ready to play for this team. I think their offseason moves showed how committed they are to winning and I want to be a part of that no matter what role I’m in.

"My main concentration has to be getting ready to play and then playing up to the best of my abilities. I have nothing to complain about. In the end, the best players play."

Craig emerged as one of the better hitters in the National League during both the 2012 and 2013 campaigns, slashing .311/.364/.488 with 35 home runs in 253 games. Last season, however, proved to be a disaster for the 30-year-old, as he managed a .215/.279/.315 line split between the St. Louis Cardinals and Red Sox. 

For his part, Craig isn't making excuses nor losing confidence following a trying season and he acknowledged how fragile and unforgiving the game can be. 

"Baseball is crazy sometimes," Craig said. "You're up and down. It goes for players and teams. Last year was a learning experience for everybody. It wasn't an easy year. There's a lot of competition here, and I think competition is good for everybody. I think it gets the best out of you. So I'm just trying to get myself right.

"I know I can hit in this league, so it's doing the work and getting that rhythm back."