KIA Tigers’ investment in Geelong is returning with clear profits.
KIA sent young players to Geelong Korea during the off-season. He expected to upgrade his skills through actual matches in the Australian League. The fielder sent 100 hitters Kim Kyu-seong and Kim Seok-hwan, and the pitcher sent left-hander Choi Ji-min, who is in trouble. Kim Kyu-seong participated instead of Kim Do-young due to a toe injury. The cost was about 10 million won per person.
Kim Seok-hwan returned home midway due to an injury, but Kim Kyu-seong and Choi Ji-min finished the race. Definitely came back different. Kim Kyu-seong had confidence in his batting. He made a mark by hitting stronger bats in spring camp practice games and exhibition games. The defense was a stable player from the beginning. Once his bat is well equipped, he can move beyond backup to starter. He was a valuable resource available at second base or shortstop.
He proudly put his name in the opening entry. Moreover, starting second baseman Kim Seon-bin suffered an ankle injury, so he often played as second baseman. Contrary to expectations, the sharp blow disappeared. The batting average of 10% was the same. When Kim Sun-bin returned, he became a backup again. Now, Park Chan-ho has recurred with wrist pain and has been replaced by shortstop. 메이저놀이터
On the 26th, he played a decisive role in the NC and Gwangju matches. In the second inning with a 1-0 lead, NC starter Song Myung-ki lifted the fork in the first at-bat, 1 company, 1st and 2nd base, and started a superior three-run four. The first home run of the season was the final blow that led to victory. Director Kim Jong-guk was so happy that he gave us the 2 million won ‘Inc Coffee Home Run Zone’ award.
Although his batting average is just 20%, Kim Kyu-sung’s presence has clearly changed from last year. It is a great performance that he fills the vacancy of the two most important positions. If he gets out of his sluggish hitting and gains confidence through his first home run, it can be a springboard for another leap forward. Kim Kyu-seong also said, “I’m not good at batting, but I’ll do my best in every game.”
Choi Ji-min is also playing an active role as a valuable resource for the first-team mound. He has a 2.70 earned run average in 8 games and 10 innings. He’s not part of Pilseung’s group, but he’s a force to be reckoned with on the mound one or two innings. He has recently been developing his presence by playing a scoreless game in 4 consecutive games and no walk in 3 consecutive games.
In the 2022 season, when he was a rookie, he only appeared in 5 games due to poor recovery and poor speed. He has already surpassed last year’s appearances. Through the actual game in Geelong, he has a strong fastball with good movement in the mid-140km range. His pitching is only 3 walks in 10 innings. It is possible that he will take on more serious roles in the future. The practical experience in Geelong Korea became a valuable growth injection. Kim Seok-hwan suffered a hamstring injury and was left with regret, but the two Geelongmen’s performance returned as a return on investment.