Do I need more time?
In November of last year, when coach Yeom Gyeong-yeop ascended to the LG Twins’ command tower, attention was focused on a ‘reunion’ with Seo Kun-chang (34). Coach Yeom was the manager of Nexen Heroes in 2014, when Seo Kun-chang became the MVP of professional baseball. Seo Geon-chang, who was the flagship hitter of the Heroes, recorded 201 hits that year, setting up an unprecedented ‘season 200 hit’ gold medal. The two are teachers and students who shared the heyday of the ‘Army of Heroes’, but in October 2016, coach Yeom left the team and the relationship came to an end. Seo Kun-chang was also traded to LG in July 2021 and organized the Heroes life.
The two reunited dramatically as director Yeom Gyeong-yeop took the baton of LG. 메이저놀이터Coincidentally, Seo Geon-chang was sluggish after transferring to LG. His batting average in 77 games last year was 0.224 (49 hits in 219 at-bats). Due to his poor performance, it was to the point of giving up the right to become a free agent (FA) for two consecutive years. He is a veteran of an era, but his position in the team was not solid.
Director Yeom Kyung-yeop, who remembers his heyday, said, “I should have thought highly of his strengths, but it seems like a case where he lost his strengths while running to make up for a few weaknesses. If he made his strengths stronger, his weaknesses could be filled, but that wasn’t the case.” I have to go to. I try to do that as much as possible. Rather than changing something, I want to fill it in my form.”
Director Yeom Gyeong-yeop was confident of Seo Geon-chang’s rebound. He gave players confidence and helped them hit in the form they were most comfortable with. As a result, Seo Kun-chang recorded a batting average of 0.362 (17 hits in 47 at-bats) in this year’s demonstration game. He ranked first in the most hits in the exhibition game and even won the batting king. Even a year ago, his batting average in the exhibition match was 0.303, but expectations were high that ‘this time it will be different’. However, when the lid is opened, it is a series of sluggishness.
Seo Kun-chang played in 14 games until the 17th, and his batting average was only 0.216 (11 hits in 51 at-bats). Ranked 58th among 68 hitters in the league who completed the required at bats. The on-base percentage, which far exceeded 40% in its heyday, fell to 0.246 (tied for 65th place). As the contact ability worsened, the pitcher’s sense of intimidation also decreased. There is no suitable alternative. Currently, LG’s main shortstop Oh Ji-hwan (side) and back-up infielder Son Ho-young (hamstring) are injured. Depth (a player base) was loosened only when key players went to the rehabilitation group. It is not a situation where Seo Geon-chang can be removed from the first team entry. It is highly likely that the current power will be maintained until the return of key players.
What is of interest is whether or not there will be a rebound. LG will play 3 home matches against the NC Dinos this week. Seo Kun-chang’s batting average against NC in 2021 and 2022 was not good at 0.177 and 0.189. NC is the only one whose batting average for the two seasons is less than 10%. It was the most demanding club, but it remains to be seen if it can create momentum for a rebound.