Allen Craig is no stranger to change.
In just three Major League seasons he has played for two managers, had two first-base coaches, two bench coaches and a pair of pitching coaches, among others.
So when Cardinals hitting coach Mark McGwire decided to leave to take the same position with the Dodgers, it was just another transition for Craig and the Cardinals. John Mabry will assume that role next season.
"I anticipate it being a really good transition," Craig said Sunday while in Jefferson City for the opening of Dick's Sporting Goods. "John was there the whole year last year and all the players got to know him really well, and he's a really knowledgeable guy. I think that he has a lot of the same philosophies that (McGwire) had. I think we're all looking forward to working with him and it's going to be a really transition."
Mabry has been around the Cardinal organization for a number of years, as a player during three different stops spanning from 1994-2005, and as the assistant hitting coach last season.
He worked with hitters last year during batting practice and while watching video. Craig added Mabry "really likes to talk hitting."