Infielder Kim Ha-seong of the San Diego Padres of the American Professional Baseball Major League (MLB) expressed a strong will to compete for the starting position in the team as well as to advance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) to be held in March.
Kim Ha-seong left for the United States via Incheon International Airport on the 27th. Kim Ha-seong, who left Korea that day, plans to devote himself to technical training with Choi Won-je’s personal coach in Los Angeles, California, USA, and then participate in the San Diego club’s spring camp held at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona to build up his body.
Ha-sung Kim, who will return to Korea on March 1st, will participate in the WBC national team’s jet lag adaptation and recovery training at Gocheok Sky Dome from March 2nd to March 3rd before joining the WBC.
Korea, which belongs to Group B along with Japan, Australia, China and the Czech Republic in the first round of the WBC, will play their first match against Australia on March 9, then face Japan (10th), Czech Republic (12th), and China (13th) in turn. . If you place in the top 2 here, you can advance to the quarterfinals tournament, and all matches until the quarterfinals will be held at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. After that, if they advance to the semifinals, they will move to Miami, USA for the championship round.
Kim Ha-seong, who met with reporters before departure, was asked, “Isn’t joining the national team too late?” Director Lee Kang-chul, who is holding the baton), told me to build a good body. He said that he was confident in that. When he joins Gocheok Sky Dome, he will join in good condition.”
He added, “After participating in several demonstration games in the United States, I will join the national team, but I think it’s not too bad to play in the WBC after learning the skills of big league pitchers.”
This is Kim Ha-sung’s second WBC appearance. Ha-seong Kim competed in the WBC in the 2017 tournament. However, despite the fact that the first round of the tournament was held at Gocheok Sky Dome, Korea failed to advance to the second round, kneeling consecutively to Israel (1-2) and the Netherlands (0-5).
Ha-seong Kim said, “At that time, it was my first national team and I was the youngest. In fact, I did the tournament without knowing much about it.”
The national team also included Korean infielder Tommy Edman (St. Louis Cardinals). Edmund plans to form a keystone combination (shortstop-second baseman) with Kim Ha-seong.
Regarding this, Ha-seong Kim said, “I don’t care about defense at all. Edmund is a very good player. If the two catch many outcounts, it will be of great help to the pitchers on the team.”
At the same time, Kim Ha-seong said, “There is a burden on (WBC) grades, but as a player, it is a matter of course to accept. I will prepare well and get good results.” You can see it that way, but since it’s a short game, you have to play all the games to know.
Kim Ha-seong, who spent his second season in the big leagues last year, has grown into a key member of San Diego based on stable defense as well as fiercer offense. He played in 150 games in the 2022 season and posted a batting average of 0.251, 11 home runs, 59 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. In particular, his OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) was 0.708, ranking 13th among all MLB shortstops.
However, after the season, San Diego acquired special shortstop Zander Bogarts from the Boston Red Sox, and Ha-seong Kim’s current position in the team is not good. Because of this, several trade rumors were raised.
Regarding this, Ha-seong Kim said, “Any team must compete internally. Right after I entered the MLB, I competed every moment.” He said, and I also agreed. The defense of the second baseman is no problem,” he raised his voice.
He continued, “I think San Diego has the best infield power among the 30 MLB teams. Since we are competing in it, it seems that trade rumors have come out. There was no pressure at all.”
In MLB, starting from the 2023 season, a new rule banning defensive shifts has been introduced. Kim Ha-seong, who will mainly play second base, has to adapt to the changed rules. 토토사이트
Nevertheless, Kim Ha-seong said, “If I go to second base, the defense will be more comfortable. I guess it will.” He smiled.
San Diego is evaluated as a strong candidate to win the World Series during this off-season.
Ha-seong Kim said, “Last year, I experienced a lot while playing fall baseball. I think I want to win. All of our team players seem to think so and prepare. Our team players are so good. I think we will be able to challenge for the championship. I do it,” he said forcefully.