Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) is confident that his close friend Lee Jung-hoo (25, Kiwoom Heroes) will succeed in the major leagues.
Kim has made a name for himself in the major leagues this year. His offense and defense have both been outstanding. He set career highs in every statistical category and solidified himself as the leadoff man and starting second baseman. This is a huge accomplishment in just his third year in the big leagues.
The numbers speak for themselves. In 152 games, he batted .260 (140-for-538) with 17 home runs and 60 RBIs, along with a .351 on-base percentage and .398 slugging percentage. His fastball command, which had been a weakness, improved significantly.
As Kim’s performance continued, there was a player who was quickly gaining attention. It’s Lee Jung-hoo. After this season, he will try to make it to the major leagues through the posting system (closed competitive bidding). Numerous major league teams have already shown active interest in Lee. Recently, the general manager of the San Francisco Giants visited Kiwoom’s home stadium, Gocheok Sky Dome, to see Lee in action.
After the final home game against the Samsung Lions at the Gocheok Dome on Tuesday, Lee said goodbye to Kiwoom fans. Lee, who had undergone ankle surgery, came to the game despite not feeling 100 percent and said goodbye to KBO fans. Lee also revealed that he will be asking his close senior Kim Ha-seong for advice.
Kim Ha-seong, who arrived in the country through Incheon Airport on November 11, said, “I don’t really have any advice for Lee Jung-hoo. I think he’s a very complete hitter. If he sees more major league pitchers’ pitches from spring training and adapts to them, he will have good results.” He also praised Lee, saying, “I will tell him enough things that I felt while playing in the major leagues. I want to tell him to prepare well,” he said, giving him heartfelt advice.
Kim’s success boosted Lee’s chances of reaching the major leagues. Kim was also nervous because he didn’t perform well in his first year in the big leagues. He was afraid that his failure would hinder the future of his juniors, but he became a resource for them to play full-time in the major leagues, and it had a positive impact on Lee’s value. 토토사이트
“I didn’t perform well in my first year in the major leagues. I was paid a lot of money to go to the major leagues, but I didn’t perform well. I was worried that it would have a bad effect on the juniors who dreamed of the major leagues. I knew I had to do better. I benefited from the seniors who went to the major leagues before me, so I think Lee Jung-hoo should be grateful to me,” he laughs.
What is it about Lee that will work in the major leagues? Kim Ha-seong said, “Lee Jung-hoo is a good player with everything, including hitting, defense, and baserunning. That’s his strength. I don’t think he’ll be able to compete with foreign players.”
He also expressed his hope that Lee will do well in whatever uniform he wears next year. Lee has received interest from multiple clubs, including San Francisco and San Diego. “I’m looking forward to playing for (district rival