Samsung has lost five of five in the Okinawa League. The pitching staff has been struggling, giving up double-digit earned runs in four of the last five games, including a double-digit loss against the Chiba Lotte Marines on April 14. First-round picks Hwang Dong-jae and Choi Chae-heung, who entered the race for the fifth spot, have been disappointing with subpar pitching.
That’s not to say they haven’t earned it. Samsung infielder Kim Ji-chan, a “little giant” who has bulked up through intense weight training, has been a bright spot. He is one of the fiercest hitters on the team.
In the team’s first game against the Junichi Dragons at Akama Ballpark on Nov. 11, Kim was the only player on the team to record a multi-hit game. “My hitting coach told me to swing aggressively from the first pitch before the game. I swung aggressively in my first at-bat, but in my next two at-bats, I saw a lot of pitches because of the pitcher’s velocity and off-speed pitches,” he said.
“I think I made the best choice because the opposing pitcher was shaky, and I think it’s important to read the flow of the game and play baseball according to each situation,” he added.
Kim went 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs in an away game against the Yomiuri Giants at Naha Cellular Stadium on April 18.
He has improved both his batting power and speed, 스포츠토토 hitting two doubles out of a total of six hits in the scrimmage. Samsung took a 3-2 lead in the top of the fifth inning, including a run in the first inning, but ultimately fell 3-11.
Speaking to Lions TV, the club’s official YouTube channel, after the game, Kim said, “I’m working hard to do well when I play, but it’s a big disappointment that I haven’t won a game yet. I think it’s a process to do well (in Korea) and I’m working hard one match at a time,” he said.
His current physical condition is good. Kim said, “I think I’m in good shape. I’m trying to be aggressive, both at the plate and on the bases, and I think it’s paying off,” Kim said. Lee Jae-hyun, who was the full-time shortstop last year, is rehabbing from left shoulder surgery and is unlikely to be available for the opening day.
Second baseman Kim Ji-chan has been forming a keystone combination in practice with Kim Young-woong, who is currently the most likely opening day shortstop. “It’s not too difficult to do the keystone breathing. We talk a lot while playing with each other, and (former) Byung-woo talks a lot on the sidelines, so we try to communicate a lot on the field,” Kim said.
