He will start with a reliable catcher. He successfully signed a non-FA multi-year contract with Kim Tae-gun, whom Kia recruited through trade in July last year. His long-term experience with the NC Dinos and Samsung Lions proved his prowess and capabilities amid Kia’s strides in the second half of last year. Expectations are high that he will generate synergy in this season, which will begin with the start of this season.
However, Kim Tae-gun alone cannot play 144 games of pennant race.
A catcher who is a special position puts the most burden on physical stamina. He is always exposed to injury threats even though he is equipped with various equipment, and should contribute to his team’s at-bat. It is rare for even a catcher who is outstanding in skills to cover all 144 games. Consequently, the word “success” can be derived only when the catcher who is second to none other than first takes the lead.
Han Seung-taek, Joo Hyo-sang, and Han Jun-su are the catchers who will support Kim Tae-gun this season.
Han Seung-taek was named in the rotation after being included in the opening entry last year. However, he was disappointed in both offense and defense. Han Jun-su, who KIA has chosen after Shin Bum-soo (currently SSG Landers), displayed remarkable performance in the second half of last year, and was given a chance at the closing camp last year.
Up until the start of this season’s spring camp, Han Jun-su was highly likely to take the second catcher position. The impact and ample possibilities that he displayed in the second half of last year were cited as his weapon. However, Kia Tigers coach Lee Bum-ho is still puzzled as he alternately deployed Han Seung-taek and Joo Hyo-sang at practice and exhibition games, which have continued through the spring camp.
“Kim Tae-gun has been working with the two foreign pitchers and is the most stable catcher,” Lee said. “We have to decide whether to play defensive or aggressively with the remaining one spot (for the second catcher), and if Kim Tae-gun goes out as a starting pitcher, the defensive aspect is important, and if it is the opposite case, the offensive aspect should be checked.” “During the exhibition game period, we will evenly distribute playing time to the four catchers,” Lee said. “We know what pros and cons (Hang Seung-taek, Joo Hyo-sang, and Han Jun-su) all have.”
BY: 바카라사이트