The average age of fielders at SSG Landers has been the highest in the league in recent years. However, he is showing signs of getting younger starting this season. This season, young and promising infielders such as rookies Park Ji-hwan (19), Jung Joon-jae (22), and Ko Myung-joon (22) hope that they can work in the first division.스포츠토토
Notably, right-handed hitting infielder Park Ji-hwan, who graduated from Sebyeong High School, was sensational in the first half of the season. It was quite impressive to see the rookie defeat KIA Tigers closer Jeong Hae-young in order to hit a breaking ball. His batting pace also declined a lot in the second half of the season, and he got some minor injuries, which made him slow down. Still, Park is okay with his batting average of 0.301 with two home runs, 18 RBIs and 26 points OPS of 0.752 from 176 times at bat in 59 games this season.
Coach Lee Soo-yong, along with the front desk, forewarned a difficult debate this winter. This is because it is time to arrange their position traffic. “We are considering Jun-jae as second base, and Ji-hwan is trying to find a way to maximize utilization,” Lee said ahead of the match against Kia Tigers in Gwangju on Sunday. “We have been practicing for third base, and he said he is confident.”
Jung Joon-jae, second base, and Park Ji-hwan, third base, are the most appropriate players at this point. In fact, Park was frequently used as second baseman. However, Lee explained that Jung Joon-jae tends to throw from below, so second baseman rather than third baseman is more appropriate. In the end, Lee believes that if Park wants to survive in the first division, he should go to third base.
However, Choi Jeong (37), the KBO’s home run king who has been showing off the highest level of productivity in offense and defense for nearly 20 years, will hold out for SSG’s third base. Choi Jung will end his six-year, 10.6 billion won contract as an FA at the end of this season. Another big contract is certain. Even though he is old, there are few third basemen in the league who still surpass Choi Jeong in offense and defense. Kim Do-young (KIA) has surpassed Choi Jeong in offense and defense this year, but he is not a match for him yet in offense and defense balance.
Manager Lee said, “I believe Jung will be competitive as third baseman next year as well. If Jung is a designated hitter about twice a week, Ji-hwan may be able to see third base. So, we will send Ji-hwan to the outfield to maximize his bat capability and have a general meeting after the season ends. The opinions of the front desk are also important.”
Park Ji-hwan has extraordinary batting talent, and it is a waste to play in rare cases because of Choi Jeong. That’s why it’s better to send him to the outfield. There are many cases of success by converting from infield to outfield. Park Ji-hwan’s age is a weapon, so his conversion to the outfield is not bad at all.
Manager Lee said, “I’m confident. I saw the outfield, too. Ji-hwan is quick on his feet, quick on his feet, and has good start motion. His shoulder is good, too. If he upgrades his batting a little more and builds up his strength through bulk-up, he is also very strong as an outfielder. From what scouts and coaches have told me, if I can’t become an outfielder, I think I picked him as an outfielder.”
SSG needs to rebuild its outfield as well. Choo Shin-soo will retire after this season, and Han Yu-seom is also quite old. It also has a new central axis called Choi Ji-hoon. SSG’s winter is a time for a fun discussion.