Choi Ji-hoon (26, SSG Landers), who missed the Golden Glove despite finishing 4th overall in WAR (War Contribution to Substitutes) last year, got a chance to play with the Taegeuk mark at the 5th World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March.
The KBO said on the 6th, “Outfielder Choi Ji-hoon is joining the national team,” and “WBCI, the organizing committee for the tournament, has informed Choi Ji-man (Pittsburgh Pirates) that he cannot participate in the WBC.” Choi Ji-man underwent surgery to remove bone fragments in his right elbow in November last year. Pittsburgh informed the WBCI of its intention to oppose participation in the tournament, citing Choi Ji-man’s surgical history. The WBCI held an injury review committee to review whether Choi Ji-man was allowed to participate in the WBC, and then informed the KBO of his opposition to participation. Cho Bum-hyeon, head of the technical committee of the national team, and Lee Kang-cheol, the national team coach, selected Choi Ji-hoon as an additional player according to the WBCI’s judgment.
The technical committee already had this situation in mind. If Choi Ji-man, who was considered as the first baseman to replace Park Byeong-ho (KT Wiz), who seriously injured his right ankle at the end of last season, failed to join, Oh Jae-il (Samsung Lions) and Chae Eun-seong (Hanwha Eagles) could be selected as substitutes. Fortunately, Park Byeong-ho’s physical condition is improving, and the national team has many resources to play as first basemen, such as Kang Baek-ho (KT) and Kim Hyun-soo (LG Twins). In response, coach Lee commented, “If Choi Ji-man cannot join, he may choose a player in a position other than first base.” 바카라사이트
Choi Ji-hoon participated in all 144 games last year and recorded a batting average of 0.304, 10 homers, 61 RBIs and 31 stolen bases. WAR was 5.48 (based on Sports 2I), ranking fourth overall. Unfortunately, the same outfielders who ranked 1st to 3rd in WAR, Jung-Hoo Lee (Kiwoom Heroes, 8.53), Jose Pirella (Samsung, 6.89), and Seong-Beom Na (KIA Tigers, 6.74) failed to win the Golden Glove Award, but got a chance to represent the country. . Choi Ji-hoon can play all outfield positions, and is the type to shake opponents at bat and on base. He also excels at running one more base.
Choi Ji-hoon said, “From the time I was selected on the 50-person interest list last year, Choi Jeong-sunbaenim said, ‘You can go. I wish we could go together. If you go and have a good experience, baseball will improve a lot.” I didn’t think those words would become a reality.” “The national team is a very heavy position. Wearing a uniform with the Taegeuk mark carries a lot of responsibility. As it is a place where the best baseball players from each country compete, I will do my best to focus on winning.”