The next-generation rising star who started the second third baseman, but the head coach is drawing a bigger picture.
SSG Landers rookie infielder Park Ji-hwan. Having played shortstop as a member of the youth team, he trained defense on second and third bases this year wearing an SSG uniform. In addition to veteran Kim Sung-hyun, Choi Jeong, a senior player and leading hitter, is on the third base, although he has to compete with another rookie Jung Joon-jae.스포츠토토
As Jung Joon-jae showed a possibility to become the main second baseman, there were concerns that Park Ji-hwan, who has been considered the next generation talent, would lose his range of maneuverability. Even though he is in his late 30s, he still has no reason to exclude Choi Jeong, who can take charge of defense as well as the leading hitter. Park Sung-han, another strongman, is also holding onto the shortstop position, which he saw when he was a youth representative. Despite this, some critics say that Park’s talent is a waste to keep him as an infield backup resource. Therefore, the possibility of changing the outfield position has been cautiously discussed.
SSG manager Lee Soo-yong placed Choi Jung as the designated batter and put Park Ji-hwan as the starting third baseman in the match against KIA in Gwangju on the 27th. He started at third baseman for the second time this season following the match against Hanwha in Incheon on the 17th.
Regarding Park Ji-hwan’s appearance as a starting third baseman, Lee said, “I plan to draw next year’s picture together,” while mentioning his compatibility with KIA starter Yang Hyun-jong. “I trained a lot on the third base and played in real games. He said he is confident, so he will boldly use it, but he will try to maximize utilization in the future,” he said, referring to the possibility of using the outfield. “If you look at his defense capabilities such as shoulder and quickness, I think he is competitive enough as an outfielder if he bulk up and develops in terms of hitting,” Lee said. “I’m sure there’s a possibility of success in the outfield.” “When I was active, didn’t I see an outfielder, too?” he added. “Our coaches asked the scout, and he said he picked out the outfielder considering the possibility of using it at the time of the nomination.”
Park Ji-hwan’s use of the outfield does not mean a “position change.”
“It has not been decided yet. The number of cases is determined,” Lee said. “I believe Choi will be competitive as a third baseman next year as well. If that happens, it will not be easy for Park to secure playing time. Even if I use it as a rotation (third base), I don’t know if it is right,” Lee said. “I am considering whether to engage in infield competition as usual, or use it as an outfielder to compensate for his hitting. Of course, we have to have a meeting with the coaching staff, and the opinion of the front desk is also an important part.”
We are in the midst of a fierce ranking battle. However, we need insight into tomorrow, not today, for the future of our team. SSG and Coach Lee are facing a complicated equation of higher order.