Perfect fit. And, now, perfect timing. But should anyone be surprised?
This is how Kolten Wong does things. This is how the St. Louis Cardinals do things.
When Wong was drafted in the first round by the Cards in 2011, it was a match made in baseball heaven — a prospect all about professionalism and passion tempered by patience and developing his craft day-by-day, and a franchise known for the same.
Of course, people started asking anyway if he’d go straight to the big club out of the University of Hawaii.
Well, technically he did, as the Cards gave their prized pupil a brief taste of the big time with a workout at Busch Stadium before he reported to Quad Cities and began his steady climb through the minors.
Unlike other organizations, the Cardinals don’t rush their prospects. Like the old commercial, "We will serve no wine before its time." Or the new one — to borrow from Cheez-It — St. Louis gives its players time to mature.
That provides a better chance for success once they do get to where Wong finds himself today, ready to debut in the middle of a pennant race.
Wong drops straight into a pressurized situation as the slumping Cardinals start a road trip at Wrigley Field. Although he might not play right away or every day, he would not have been promoted if not judged ready to produce immediately.
Wong hit .301 in three minor league seasons, and .351 in his past 10 games. He possesses more than adequate power for a middle infielder (10 homers this year), and has steadily improved his defense and base running (20 steals in 21 attempts).
All-Star Matt Carpenter plays second base for St. Louis, and has been hot lately, .542 in his past five games. But there’s been plenty of talk that he will eventually move to third base to make room for Wong at second. Maybe this weekend?
Some fans have called for Wong or Carpenter to play shortstop, but it’s unlikely the Cards put their DP combo at risk to get another bat in the lineup.
Wong played three positions at UH but has been groomed strictly for second as a pro. If he is moved, it’s highly unlikely in the middle of a pennant race; the offseason is the time for experiments, not now.
Wong is the first Hawaii-bred UH alum to make it to the majors since Joey Meyer debuted 25 years ago, the first former Rainbow position player since Chuck Jackson played his last game for the Rangers in 1994.
"I’ve got the biggest smile," Jackson said. "Kolten will light the way for the next generations of young island players."
Fans of other MLB teams, especially the Dodgers, Giants and Shane Victorino’s Red Sox, can disagree all they want. But, at least for today — and maybe for as long as the kid from Hilo is on their roster — the St. Louis Cardinals are Hawaii’s team.
Kolten Wong has arrived. Just a bit ahead of schedule, he had a slight tailwind. Now, how quickly will he make an impact?
Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783 or on Twitter as @dave_reardon.
