adminHead coach Lee Kang-cheol, who had the first practice game, 메이저놀이터 cited pitchers adapting to the official ball as the biggest task.
The Korean national baseball team, led by head coach Lee Kang-cheol, won 8-2 in their first evaluation game against the NC Dinos held at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona on the 17th (hereafter Korean time).
Starting with starter Kim Gwang-hyeon, the national team checked their sense of practice in the order of Go Young-pyo, Jeong Cheol-won, Won Tae-in, Jung Woo-young, Lee Eui-ri, and Ko Woo-seok. Jung Woo-young, the “King of Hold”, suffered a little difficulty in the first pitch and allowed 2 runs. In the other lineup, Kang Baek-ho had two hits, including a two-run home run in the final, and Choi Jeong-i launched a solo home run. Lee Jung-hoo resigned with no hits in two at-bats in the midst of scouts from nine major league clubs.
Manager Lee Kang-cheol, whom we met after the game, said, “Maybe it was because the weather was a bit cold, so the pitchers didn’t get better. On the other hand, I am satisfied with the beasts because they seem to have built their bodies better than I thought.”
The most welcome was Kang Baek-ho’s two-run home run in the final, which was sluggish last year. Director Lee said, “I am in good shape. Today’s home run will be important to him, but he hopes it will help the team and turn things around to start the season. I think you can build confidence. The hit at the end was also good.”
Regarding the sluggish Jung Woo-young, he said, “I heard that he was good in the bullpen.” In the case of Kim Gwang-hyun, the changeup is a little missing, and the fastball keeps going like a cut fastball. More adaptation is needed. The most sensitive part for a pitcher is the ball. It is not an excuse.”
Jung Woo-young had a difficult game with overlapping defensive mistakes. Coach Lee said, “The defenders have to do well. When you’re out, you just have to go out. No matter how good the pitching pitch is, if the situation changes due to an error by a fielder, it can be difficult to manage the pitcher.”
In the national team, Kim Ha-seong (San Diego)-Tommy Edman (St. Louis) Keystone combination is participating in the spring camp of a major league team, so it is possible to join the team only in early March. Accordingly, the practice game in Tucson, Arizona in February must be played without them.
Director Lee said, “I was going to write Edmon and Ha-seong Kim in front, but then (Choi) Jeong-i will go behind. I’m worried. Now, Choi Jeong and Kim Hyun-soo are in good condition,” he said. “The two players do not fall out in defense. I think the defense is good because there are good backup players such as Oh Ji-hwan and Kim Hye-seong.”
After taking a break on the 18th, Kangcheol Lee will start training on the 3rd day on the 19th. The second practice game against KIA is scheduled for the 20th.