The key project of this spring camp KIA is strengthening Pil Seung-jo. The Tiger Corps is keeping an eye on the left-handed bullpen.
Last season, KIA took the center of the bullpen mound with Pil Seung-jo Jung Hae-young, Jang Hyun-sik, and Jeon Sang-hyun showing off their strength. Closer Jeong Hae-young recorded 32 saves and 30 saves for the second consecutive year, and Jeon Sang-hyun set a career high hold record with 16 holds. Jang Hyun-shik could not leave the impact of the hold king due to an injury, but he contributed with 19 holds.
The gaze is directed to the left-handed salvation team. Lee Joon-young participated in 75 games and left the record for the most appearances on the team, and had an average ERA of 2.91 in 17 holds. However, instead of taking responsibility for one inning, he played as a left-handed specialist.
Kim Sa-yoon, who joined as a trade at the beginning of the season, stayed with an ERA of 7.00 in 31 games. In addition, Kim Yu-shin (average ERA in 10 games, 6.14), who recovered from an injury, and rookie Choi Ji-min (average ERA, 13.50 in 6 games), who attracted attention with good pitching in demonstration games, also fell short of expectations.
The KIA left-handed bullpen lineup this year is distinctly different. Kim Ki-hoon, who returned from military service at the end of last season, has emerged as a new hope by scoring 1 run in 8⅔innings in 5 games. Moreover, Kim Dae-yu, who earned 37 holds by playing the role of Pil Seung-jo at LG over the past two seasons, joined. 카지노사이트
The energy of the baby tigers also rises. ‘Super Rookie’ Yoon Young-cheol, who was selected as the 2nd overall pick in the 1st round of the 2023 KBO Draft, and Choi Ji-min, who showed potential for growth in the Australian league, can give vitality to the team.
Ki-Hoon Kim and Young-Cheol Yoon are competing in good faith with Lim Ki-Young as the 5th starting pitcher. However, depending on the results, there is a possibility that both Kim Ki-hoon and Yoon Young-cheol can digest the season as relievers.
On the 14th (local time), KIA spring camp manager Kim Jong-guk, who met at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, USA, said, “There are many left-handed pitchers with good pitch and control. It was good for a while. If (Kim) Ki-hoon goes to the bullpen and shows the same performance as last year, he can make full use of it. Choi Ji-min is improving. Looking at the bullpen pitching, his confidence and control have improved.”
The most ideal picture would be for a lefty to join Pil Seung-jo’s lineup. However, if there is a setback in the plan, it is not a necessary condition. Coach Kim said, “I plan to build a team that focuses on good players, not left and right balance.” Let’s pay attention to the KIA bullpen mound to see if the left-handed hidden card we wanted will appear.