After an early berth in the Korean Series, a change of scenery signals new competition.
All eyes are on the Kia Tigers as they enter the final stretch of the pennant race. The Tigers returned to Gwangju, their home base, after a series of away games to make roster adjustments. Veterans Choi Hyung-woo, Na Sung-beom, Kim Sun-bin, and backup Hong Jong-pyo were removed from the first team roster. Infielder Yoon Do-hyun, outfielder Choi Jeong-yong and outfielder Ko Jong-wook took their places.
Upcoming order. After clinching the pennant race early on April 17, Kia manager Lee Beom-ho hinted at the possibility of adjusting the roster for the team’s return home to Gwangju after the road trip. He prioritized resting veterans and starters who had played nonstop throughout the pennant race. With the exception of a few players, such as Kim Do-young, who is close to reaching 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases, and Socrates Brito, who expressed his intention to complete the pennant race himself, the rest of the main players will be rested one after another. Similarly, the Hampyeong Tigers will be looking to fill the void.
Last-minute roster adjustments in pennant races often lead to a drop in performance.
The pressure on the backup players to prove themselves in a short amount of time is intense, as they are less experienced than the starters. It’s the end of the season, and there’s no denying that motivation is low.
However, the Hampyeong Tigers, who are stepping into the first team through this roster adjustment, have a clear motivation: to enter the Korean Series. 메이저사이트 Given the opportunity to experience the best stage of their professional careers, they will be focused on giving 100% of their performance and being at their best.
Lee’s focus on competition can be seen in the rest of the schedule and the changes to the roster. Left-handed pinch-hitter Ko Jong-wook, Yoon Do-hyun, who performed well in spring training, and infield utility Choi Jeong-yong are all resources that could be used in the Korean Series depending on how they are utilized. How well they perform in the remaining games will be a key factor in Lee’s decision.
Catcher Han Seung-taek, who broke into the first team through the expanded roster, infielder Kim Kyu-sung Byun Woo-hyuk, outfielder Park Jung-woo, outfielder Lee Chang-jin, and bullpen arm Yoo Seung-cheol Park Jun-pyo, who have been playing backup roles, will also be tested in the remaining games of the series.
Every year, the Korean Series has seen some unexpected faces break into the roster, and there have been a number of so-called ‘crazy performances’. Kia, which is challenging for the V12, is also looking for a ‘crazy player’. Who will it be?