JUPITER, Fla. Kolten Wong has six steals during in spring training two shy of his total during the 2017 season.
I figure if I can get into that rhythm now. I wont be able to lose it too fast when the season starts, the St. Louis Cardinals second baseman said. Obviously things kind of get drawn back a little bit.
Wong has 53 regular-season stolen bases, including 20 in 2014. At one point projected a leadoff hitter, he likely will bat eighth when the season starts.
I think I can still be aggressive balls in the dirt, going first to third, different situations, Wong said.
He knows he needs to get on base more. Hes hitting .176 in spring training after going 1 for 2 with a walk in Thursdays 8-2 victory over Atlanta.
Just an understanding of who I am as a player kind of brings that sense of calmness, Wong said. Now Im not trying to figure out what I want to be or what type of player I need to be now. I know what I can be what makes me the most successful and Im sticking to it.
Manager Mike Matheny notices the difference.
I think hes handling things better, and to me thats maturity, Matheny said.
Wong hit a career-high .285 last year but had four homers his lowest total for a full season and his eight stolen bases.
Whenever I get my time to steal, where ever I am in the lineup, Im going to go, he said. Im not going to be afraid or anything just be aggressive and play the game.
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