PO plans 3-starter system… “PS may have many irregularities”
The key is the return of the injured corner… “We need to interview again”
Manager Park Jin-man, who led the Samsung Lions to second place in the regular season, announced that he would use unconventional pitchers in the postseason. There are concerns about the bullpen, so there is talk that he may make a surprise switch to the bullpen pitcher role for ‘homegrown ace’ Won Tae-in (24).
Samsung recorded 77 wins, 2 draws, and 63 losses in the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League that ran until the 24th. Having already secured second place, Samsung will advance directly to the playoffs and aim to advance to the Korean Series.
Although coach Park Jin-man experienced many championships with Hyundai and Samsung during his active years, this is his first time as a coach in the Korean Series. Although the regular season has not yet ended, he has already begun planning for the more important stage, the playoffs.
Samsung’s biggest concern is the bullpen. The batting has been unexpectedly active this season, and the starting rotation has been running well with a stable defense. However, the bullpen has been unstable.
Oh Seung-hwan, who was the closing pitcher until the first half of the season, was sent down to the second team due to a decline in his pitching skills, and Choi Ji-kwang, who had been performing well in the second half of the season, was sidelined due to an elbow injury.
Manager Park Jin-man also has concerns about the bullpen. He said, “We always have concerns about the bullpen,” and “There may be a lot of unconventional operations in the postseason.”
The idea that came out of this is the bullpen use of Won Tae-in. Won Tae-in has recorded 15 wins, 6 losses, and an average ERA of 3.66 in 28 games so far this season. He is Samsung’s ‘homegrown ace’ who is likely to win the most wins, and his biggest strength is that he shows consistent performance.
Manager Park said, “For now, I’m thinking of a three-starter system for the playoffs, including Connor, Reyes, and Won Tae-in,” and added, “If I really want to win Game 1, I’m also thinking of sending Connor out as the starter and shutting down Won Tae-in for an inning with a one-point pitch.”
In the current situation where Oh Seung-hwan and Choi Ji-kwang are out, Samsung’s sure-win team is limited to Im Chang-min and closer Kim Jae-yoon. Veteran Song Eun-beom, who was recently promoted to the first team, could also be added, but given the long absence, he is not a surefire card.
If a situation arises where the outcome is certain, a plan to use Won Tae-in as a relief pitcher has also been considered.
The biggest issue in this unconventional operation is Connor Siebold’s physical condition. Connor voluntarily left the game after feeling shoulder blade pain during the game against Hanwha Eagles on the 11th. It seems he will be able to return in the postseason, but it is important whether he can show normal condition. Manager Park said, “Connor has the pitching skills he has shown throughout the season, so I am thinking of making him the first starter,” but added, “If he can’t increase the number of pitches by the playoffs, I can consider sending Won Tae-in as the first starter and putting Connor behind him.”
This is still just a ‘concept’. Director Park said, “I plan to have an interview with Connor soon. It will take time to decide what method to use.”
Coach Park hopes that the players will perform without any burden even in the postseason.
He said, “There must be a lot of pressure since it’s the first time for many players to experience the postseason,” and added, “I hope they enjoy the game more since we came in second place in the regular season, which was an unexpectedly good result.”
(Gwangju = News 1)
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2024-09-25 09:25:10