He is full of confidence and ‘all-time talent’ with 10 wins in the big league and 567 strikeouts.
Kia Tigers’ new foreign pitcher Eric Lauer met with his team at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on Wednesday. Lauer, who officially signed a contract after completing a medical checkup on Friday after arriving in Korea on Thursday, watched the KT-KIA match in Gwangju on the day. He went to work at the baseball stadium during the day on Wednesday, met with Lee Bum-ho and his coaches, and met with the team members at the locker room before the game against KT.메이저놀이터
“I was relaxed and calm, maybe because I’ve been in the big leagues for a long time,” Lee said of his first impression. “I felt quite good communicating with the players as well. Seeing the bullpen pitching, he was a very good pitcher,” Lee said. “I received such a big welcome that I have no words to explain except that I was cheered enthusiastically,” Lauer said about the meeting of the team.
Lauer, a left-hander, played only 10 big league games last year due to right shoulder impingement syndrome and elbow pain. He had been the starting pitcher for Triple-A team of the Minor League until April 27. “Earlier this year, I threw under the limit of 85 to 90 pitches. As a result, I had difficulty leading long innings,” Lauer said. “Now I can throw as many pitches as I want. I enjoy pitching long innings while controlling the game.” “I had bad luck with my injury last year, but I’m satisfied with this year.”
People both inside and outside the Kia Tigers have high expectations on Lauer. He pitched in 112 of 120 games as a starter in the big league, and garnered 11 wins in the 2022 season when he was a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. With his ample experience in the Major League, he is expected to become the “winning pitcher” who will lead Kia to the V12, its goal point.
“At first, I thought about asking if I should get off again,” Lauer, who posted a team hashtag on his personal SNS ahead of joining KIA, said after laughing, “I heard a lot from fans that they welcome me to the KBO League.” He added, “I’m very excited to come to the top team and try to win the championship. There is pressure to be in the lead, but I think I can throw well only when I have that pressure.”
Nicknamed the “Winner’s Companion,” he said, “I really like it. Doesn’t that mean he can be of great help to the team? It’s also a nickname that gives me confidence.”
The starting date for Lauer is still uncertain. “As I am not fully jetlagged yet, I will talk to him and set the starting date,” Lee said.
“Watching yesterday’s game, I wanted to play faster. I feel like I am more passionate than the U.S. and welcoming new players,” Lauer said. “I will not wait long (for fans).”