KIA's special bullpen...The Cho Sangwoo effect that Jung Haeyoung sees
KIA's special bullpen...The Cho Sangwoo effect that Jung Haeyoung sees
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Expectations are high on the synergy effect between Jung and Cho Sang-woo, who will take charge of the mound of the Kia Tigers' bullpen this season. Jung expressed his desire to grow further by learning various know-how from Cho.온라인카지노
Jung Hae-young, who joined KIA as the first designated player in 2020, took charge of finishing the following year and harvested 34 saves, and recorded more than 20 saves for three consecutive years until last year.
Last season, Jung took the mound in 53 games and posted a record of 2 wins, 3 losses, 31 saves, 1 hold, and an ERA of 2.49, beating second-ranked Oh Seung-hwan (Samsung Lions) by four saves to become the relief king for the first time since his professional debut.
Jung Hae-young, who has shown steady performance enough to win 120 saves over the past four seasons, is also mentioned as a strong candidate for the relief king this season.
Jung Hae-young has taken the mound in two exhibition games this year and has been steadily improving his condition by allowing no hits, one walk, and one strikeout in two innings.
"I liked my second game better than my first game. I'm going to throw one or two more balls, and I'm going to check my physical condition for the last time," said Jung at Jamsil Stadium on Sunday. "I want to boost my physical condition further."
Through a trade in December last year, Kia had Cho Sang-woo, one of the best relievers in the league. Cho played in 343 games, recording 33 wins, 25 losses, 54 holds, 88 saves, and an earned run average of 3.11.
On Cho Sang-woo, Jeong said, "I am having fun conversations with (Cho Sang-woo). There are many things to learn. I have worked out with him and he has a sincere mindset about baseball. I will ask him what he should do when things are not good going forward," adding, "I think I will be able to grow further because I am also working hard."
Jung Hae-young will also protect the back door of KIA this season. Cho Sang-woo, who has a lot of finishing experience, joined the team, but KIA manager Lee Bum-ho's trust in Jung Hae-young is strong.
Nevertheless, Jung said, "I started the camp every year in a state of nervousness. Even if I am in the closing position, I cannot say that it is my place if I do not show performance. Not only Sang-woo but also the pitching staff is so good that I always play with the mindset of being nervous and competing every year."
KIA will win its second consecutive title this season, while Jung Hae-young will try to defend the title of the king of relief.
"The team is in a good mood. I feel a bit of pressure after winning last year's championship, but if the players perform well without getting hurt, there will be good results," Jung said. "We have to fight from the beginning to keep our performance even if we are not good in the second half. It is important to raise the pace from the beginning," Jung said. "I need to be stronger. And pitchers and fielders should help each other and work together to win the game."