St. Louis Dispatch: Wong Doesn't Want To Platoon

[ettin]

This could be an opportunity if the Cardinals don't want to deal with this situation anymore: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/wong-would-rather-be-traded-than-platoon-at-second-base/article_9d03dd0f-b604-5be7-8a44-0287814094da.html

Kolten is a quality defender at 2B and even played a sprinkling of games at all three OF positions in 2016.

The funny thing is, though, that Wong has failed to produce against LHP so the idea that the Cardinals want to platoon him isn't a decision they made in a vacuum, Kolten hasn't performed well in his career against them.

Wong is controlled through the 2020 season at an approximate $5MM AAV with a 2021 team option for $12.5M (w/a $1M buyout) so his contract is very team friendly.

Angelswin.com mentioned Kolten as a possible trade target in the Primer Series this offseason:

Also Chris Cotillo reported the Angels inquiring on Wong back in early December of last year:

If Kolten really is unhappy and the Cardinals are growing weary of his complaints this could be a buy opportunity for the Angels. Of course we would have to make room for him and I'm not sure we have the space nor do we have a full time playing opportunity for Kolten unless we make another move (trading Escobar for instance).

Ultimately this might still turn out to be an opportunity later in the year or next offseason. Wong still needs to show he can hit better against LHP or else he will force teams to platoon him to avoid the drop in production.

[Ohtaniland]

So where does he fit here? I thought 2nd and LF were all taken care of?

[Troll Daddy]

Angels have played their hand already 

[Ohtaniland]

29 minutes ago, Troll Daddy said:

Angels have played their hand already 

It's not like they're going to give him away. I'm sure they're going to want something in return. Plus there will be other teams interested. Not to mention that we are the Kings of platoon.

[Stradling]

Claude you'll hate him, he makes money. 

[WeatherWonk]

We're also the Kings of the barren farm system.

Hey, you think they'd take Albert and his contract back?

[ettin]

Danny Espinosa complained about his playing time and the Angels got him relatively cheap. This is also something that doesn't have to happen now either but the Angels did show some level of interest and if the price is right, the Angels should consider action whether now or later. Also TD most teams have played their hands one week before the season starts. When opportunity knocks you should at least ask who's behind the door.

[Troll Daddy]

11 minutes ago, ettin said:

Danny Espinosa complained about his playing time and the Angels got him relatively cheap. This is also something that doesn't have to happen now either but the Angels did show some level of interest and if the price is right, the Angels should consider action whether now or later. Also TD most teams have played their hands one week before the season starts. When opportunity knocks you should at least ask who's behind the door.

Totally agree 

 

[Taylor]

Sum Ting Wong?

[Vegas Halo Fan]

Another deal with St. Louis. What could possibly go wrong?

[Ohtaniland]

3 minutes ago, Vegas Halo Fan said:

Another deal with St. Louis. What could possibly go wong?

fixed

[ukyah]

49 minutes ago, Vegas Halo Fan said:

Another deal with St. Louis. What could possibly go wrong?

 

45 minutes ago, CALZONE said:

fixed

 

yeah, i don't know how he missed that one. that pun wrote itself.

on the subject, i'd be down for acquiring him on the relative cheap. escobar would have to be the odd man out. an infield of espinoza, simmons, wong, cron/valbuena/pujols is nice enough.

[Docwaukee]

Not a fan of Wong.  

nothing wrong with those who like Wong.  

But I pass on wong.  

 

[Ohtaniland]

6 minutes ago, ukyah said:

 

 

yeah, i don't know how he missed that one. that pun wrote itself.

on the subject, i'd be down for acquiring him on the relative cheap. escobar would have to be the odd man out. an infield of espinoza, simmons, wong, cron/valbuena/pujols is nice enough.

I think TD kinda alluded to the fact that we may have already over committed with other moves. I think our cards are on the table for now.

[ettin]

43 minutes ago, Dochalo said:

Not a fan of Wong.  

nothing wrong with those who like Wong.  

But I pass on wong.  

 

I'd actually prefer Cesar Hernandez or perhaps Greg Garcia or T.J. Rivera. There are other better choices but if the price is right the Angels could absorb his athleticism and versatility I think with that cheap contract.

[Troll Daddy]

12 hours ago, ettin said:

I'd actually prefer Cesar Hernandez or perhaps Greg Garcia or T.J. Rivera. There are other better choices but if the price is right the Angels could absorb his athleticism and versatility I think with that cheap contract.

Angels can't offer him what he's looking for ... Wong's contract is back-end loaded. 

[Blarg]

He's the Wong guy to Chase.

[NorCal Halo]

"When opportunity knocks you should at least ask who's behind the door."

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Opportunity.

You're not fooling anybody.  Opportunity never knocks twice.

[Glen]

Something's wong in St. Louis.

[Adam]

Hmmm. Sounds like he should play better then.

[DMVol]

@ettin: File this one away for future consideration...even if it doesn't make sense right now.

[Tank]

16 hours ago, Vegas Halo Fan said:

Another deal with St. Louis. What could possibly go wrong?

Fwiw, the last second baseman we got from the Cards was an ALCS MVP. I'd be okay with another one of those. 

[NorCal Halo]

"Fwiw, the last second baseman we got from the Cards was an ALCS MVP. I'd be okay with another one of those. "

AK's three home runs (and a double that was feet away from being the fourth) against the Twins in the 2002 playoffs is still one of my most favorite Angels memories.

[Chuck]

It's the Wong time to worry about a second baseman. We have Espinosa and Fletcher down the road.

[AngelStew43]

I'm happy with Espinoza, for now.  At the deadline, Wong's asking price from St. Louis may have dropped considerably, if he's part of a platoon.