What Have You Done For Me Lately?

Time to go ahead and dive into the Kolten Wong conversation. I've been thinking about things to say about this long before the articles arrived in my Twitter timeline today. Kolten's situation has been boiling under the surface, and sometimes boiling over publicly, for what feels like 47 years. In reality, he's only been here since 2013. And even though it seems as though he's a veteran, he's only 26 years old.

Today Kolten expressed his frustration over yet again having the rug pulled out from under him. Again the promise of being the every day 2B was empty. Instead of being told (or better yet discussing it) in private, Matheny and Mozeliak both made public comments about how the start of the season would once again have a platoon set up at second base. Gyorko is the name most often mentioned, but Greg Garcia has gotten some recognition as well, based on his spring stats.

I mentioned the abysmal front office communication skills months ago when Grichuk wasn't told about left field and had to assume it was his position based on whatever was posted in the papers or social media. Unlike Matt Carpenter, Grichuk received no phone call, post card, email, text or carrier pigeon to notify him of his new position. Essentially, Dex introduced himself and Grich knew he wasn't the center fielder anymore. Now, Kolten is being told via social media and other news outlets that he is essentially in a timeshare with one or 2 or who knows how many players at the position that was supposed to be solely his from Opening Day on. Honestly, I wouldn't be shocked to see Matt Adams there. Annnddd that's another story.

Wong is playing with a chip on his shoulder the size of Hawaii. He's embarrassed, frustrated and confused. Rightfully so. I felt for the guy in the interview. Kolten has always been a smidgen cocky in the public eye. It rubs some people the wrong way if you scroll through Twitter. Some feel the need to knock him down a few pegs. I think it's a bit of an act. He carries his offense to his defense and vice versa. 0-3, then comes an error. Bobbled play, here comes a strikeout. Kolten is a guy who can get very stuck in his own mind. He needs cheerleaders. And he won't find that here at the corner of Adversity Lane and We Love Platoons Drive. Matheny has a set of guys each year that he'll play till the sun doesn't shine and Wong isn't ever on that list. After being at this since 2013, he likely never will be.

I'll readily admit, his spring is out of whack and isn't doing him any favors. However, he is working on things, which is Spring Training's expressed purpose. Instead of viewing it as a time to work, Matheny has decided Wong has lost his every day playing ability. Kolten may never be a 280 average guy who hits a few homers and has 75 runs batted in to his credit. With his defense and batting 8th, I honestly question the need to have him be a great hitter.

If given the space to legitimately try--no platoons, no LHP vs RHP days, no 0-3 you're sitting days, no bus to Memphis gassed up in the parking lot--what could Kolten do? Do any of us even know that anymore? In 2015, he played the majority of games with a decent BA of 262. His OPS+ that year was 83. It was his best year so far. Offensively, Kolten may very well always be average. But his defense can shine and if batting 8th, I'm not asking for a power bat who's going to do damage. I'm thinking a fast guy who might hit a single can get advanced by the pitcher and brought home by someone else. I know, that's ideal and doesn't always work that way.

End of the day, the St. Louis Cardinals and the fans may never know Kolten's true potential. His career has been grossly mishandled by Matheny and Mo has played a role by not stepping in enough. And it's true Kolten may not be playing well enough to grab hold of the less than stellar opportunities given to him. Something has to change. And since we're doomed blessed with Matheny due to his extension, it may be time for Kolten to try to shine with a valid, no holds barred opportunity on another team.