“I had to learn it the hard way. Sometimes the hard way is the best way.”

Carpenter was only the third second basemen to have at least 500 at-bats at the position in a season since Fernando Vina manned the pivot in 2003. Whether it’s Ellis or Wong, the Cardinals could have their ninth different opening day second baseman since 2002.

Seizing the opening, Wong has applied that “attention” he learned to his preparation. He starts early because spring training days start early. He wants his swing ready, because it can make an impression.

“He was confident (last fall), but not sure yet,” Kaha Wong said. “He will be.”

Kolten’s father said he and his wife had already purchased tickets to travel to Florida for spring training. They would see Kolten on one side of the state and Kean on the other. Kaha Wong said he isn’t sure who will join him now, but he will be there.

He wants to see where all this work takes his son.

“When I get to spring training, I want to be sure I’m ready,” Kolten Wong said. “I don’t want any part of my game to be lagging. I want to come in ready to be the starting second baseman. I want to show them the confidence I have. I want to do everything to make sure it’s my permanent job. I know that means doing everything now and in spring to show them I’m ready to go.”

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