This year’s Golden Glove winner at shortstop is out with a sudden injury. An infield without its commander in chief is bound to be chaotic.
This is the story of the Kia Tigers without Chan Ho Park. Luckily, they have a great replacement. It”s Kim Do-young, a super prospect.
“Kim Do-young’s overall condition is good,” said Kia manager Kim Jong-kook on Thursday at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju.
Kim was in the lineup as the leadoff shortstop for the second straight day. In September, he is batting 3-for-2 with a .950 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage). Manager Kim said, “My overall conditioning is good. I think he’s a starter now, both offensively and defensively. I hit the ball well and have good bat speed. She’s adjusted well against professional pitchers.”
He was a national team infielder during his playing days. He recognizes Kim’s potential as a player. “He should eventually play shortstop. He’s a very talented player, so I think he’ll do well,” he said.
However, he is still cautious. “I’ve seen him play shortstop in high school, but he still doesn’t have a lot of defensive experience to deal with (batted balls). I recognize his ability, but he’s still not good enough to replace Park Chan-ho.”
Park was sidelined by a left finger injury he suffered on Dec. 12. A medical examination revealed ligament damage to his fourth finger.
In his absence, Kim Do-young will move to shortstop, and Choi Jung-yong and Kim Kyu-sung will take turns at third base. ‘Big gun prospect’ Byun Woo-hyuk is also preparing to play third base for the Futures.
However, this will change if there is a need to strengthen the defense later in the game. “When we need defense, Park Chan-ho goes to shortstop,” Kim said. Kim Do-young will play third base, which is his natural position.”메이저놀이터
As for Na Sung-bum, Kim said, “I need to adjust his defense until this week. He will rotate with Choi Hyung-woo to play designated hitter.”