A “left-handed secret weapon” emerges on the mound of the KIA Tigers bullpen.토토사이트
The hot issue on the KIA Tigers mound last year was the left-handed starting lineup. The left-handed rotation of Yang Hyeon-jong, Sean Nolin, Thomas Panoni, and Eui-ri Lee drew attention.
After one season, the ‘Jwajwajwa’ lineup was disbanded. ‘Right-handed duo’ Sean Anderson and Adonis Medina joined to balance the left and right starting rotation.
However, it is necessary to pay attention to KIA left-handers this year as well. This time it’s the bullpen mound. Kim Dae-yu, Lee Jun-young, Kim Ki-hoon, and Yoon Young-chul are considered candidates for Pil Seung-jo. Kim Ki-hoon and Yoon Young-cheol have the potential to join the starting rotation, but both players will start out of the bullpen if Lim wins the 5th starter race.
KIA, which has an outstanding left-handed lineup, is waiting for a secret weapon to sortie. Choi Ji-min is the bullpen hopeful for the 2023 season.
Choi Ji-min, who was nominated by the KIA with the 5th total in the 2nd round of the 2022 rookie draft, quickly emerged as a new hope for the left-handed bullpen, showing off his strikeout ability and stable control in last year’s practice game.
However, he was sluggish in demonstration games, and even in the regular season, he appeared in 6 games and had an earned run average of 13.50 with 7 strikeouts in 6 innings. He had to go through a rough debut season.
Choi Ji-min left for Australia after the regular season. Choi Ji-min, who joined Geelong Korea of the Australian Baseball League (ABL), left a strong impact. In 17 appearances, he had a 1.47 earned run average with 19 strikeouts on 3 holds in 18⅓ innings. It was a performance that was clearly different from the KBO league.
Choi Ji-min, whom we met at the KIA Spring Camp Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, USA, said, “I have had a lot of experience in Australia. I am participating,” he said.
KIA is predicting a good year for lefties in the 2023 season. This is a golden opportunity for Choi Ji-min. He can receive various learning and know-how from seniors such as Yang Hyeon-jong, Lee Eui-ri, Kim Dae-yu, and Lee Jun-young. Choi Ji-min said, “I learn a lot and learn a lot just by watching him throw from the side. It’s not the same position, but I ask (Lee) a lot of questions.”
Choi Ji-min used a fast ball that reached 148 km/h in the Australian league. In his last season alone, his fastball’s highest velocity was only 143 km/h. His velocity has increased by 5 km/h in his 1 year.
Choi Ji-min said, “Originally, the maximum speed was 143 km/h, but this time it came up to 148 km/h.”
At the same time, Choi Ji-min did not dwell on speed, saying, “He wants to throw a ball that can compete with batters rather than restraint. There is no desire for restraint yet.”
Choi Ji-min is ahead of a new start in the 2023 season. what is the goal He said, “I want to throw in the first team, and if I have a chance later, I want to try the selection.”