“I think we need to start thinking about Plan C.”
The KIA Tigers’ immediate concern is not the losing streak. It’s the 15 games they’ve lost due to rain. Kia has now played 77 games, the fewest of the 10 clubs. They have not had a full complement of foreign players and have had some injuries. Not playing games in less-than-perfect conditions could have boded well for the future. However, the number of cancelled matches began to exceed our comprehension and we accepted the most cancellations and the fewest matches of the 10 clubs.
With frequent rain cancellations, the remaining fixtures are now bound to be tight. Add in the intensity of the standings battle, and the fatigue level is bound to increase. Add to that the intensity of the standings battle, and you have the Hangzhou Asian Games in late September and early October. KIA has selected pitcher Lee Yi-ri, outfielder Choi Ji-min and outfielder Choi Won-jun. The team’s indispensable players, including the starting lineup, one of the best pitchers, and utility players in the outfield, will be unavailable for the most crucial stage of the race.
The pitching staff is a particular concern. With a tight remaining schedule, it’s unlikely that the team will be able to rotate its top three starters to give it their all. Lee’s replacement is definitely needed. Choi Ji-min and the rest of the pitching staff also need to find an alternative.메이저놀이터
Head coach Kim Jong-guk is also deeply troubled by the 15 rain-delayed matches. “I think it will be harder physically in the second half of the season,” Kim said, “and I don’t think there will be any objection to playing 15 rain-delayed games, so I’m worried. I’m thinking in many ways, and I’m even thinking about Plan C. I think there will be a big gap then,” he said, explaining his concerns.
Still, he takes solace in the fact that all 10 clubs are on equal footing. Citing Lotte, a top-five contender, as an example, he said, “We’re also missing Eui-ri and Jimin, Pil Seung-jo, and Won Jun-yi, but Lotte is missing two starters (Park Se-woong and Na Kyun-an). I think it’s the same situation for other teams,” he said, emphasising that they will prepare well for the remaining games in September and October.