It is a rebellion of backups. 

Catcher Yoo Kang-nam, who joined with a 4-year, 8 billion won free agent contract, brought tangible and intangible positive effects to the Lotte Giants. The stabilizing effect at home was basic, and the long-term framing provided additional strikes to the pitchers, helping to solve the game in an advantageous way. Also, the advantage of being able to digest the game steadily without getting sick was a huge help to Lotte, which had no main catcher.

When Yoo Kang-nam was said to have left due to an inner oblique injury in the KIA game in Gwangju on the 28th of last month, the situation in which it was difficult to build a complete team due to the line injuries of key players was prolonged, and even anxiety came over the stable home room. With the combination of Jeong Bo-geun and Son Seong-bin, I had to take charge of the first group’s home for up to a month. The past 5 years, when they spent time without a main catcher, it was a short time to know how hard they had suffered, but Lotte seemed to have a hard time again.

Now, about two weeks after Yoo Kang-nam left, Jung Bo-geun and Son Seong-bin have also grown up and are showing through their performance that they can take charge of the 1st team’s home without Yoo Gang-nam. With their great rebellion, Lotte is gaining momentum again.

In the 14 games played without Yoo Kang-nam, Jung Bo-geun and Son Seong-bin took turns wearing the starting catcher’s mask for 7 games each. Even in the second half of the game, he played most of the game as he was put in for great defense. Jeong Bo-geun has a batting average of 4.62 (12 hits in 26 bats), 1 home run, 4 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.225 in 13 games. For Jung Bo-geun, who had a strong defensive catcher image, this year is a year that shows a different side of him. After Kang-Nam Yoo was removed, he ranked first in batting average and OPS in the team. The hidden strike potential is exploding. 

Son Seong-bin is not far behind. He is showing off decent firepower with a batting average of .375 (6 hits in 16 at-bats) and 5 RBIs with an OPS of .875 in 10 games. He is making a soft landing in the first team as he regains experience in the first team in his first season after being discharged from Sangmu, although he is overshadowed by intelligence. He supported the team by unraveling the game without difficulty even on defense. With Kangnam Yoo out, the team is recording 6 wins and 8 losses, but last week they met Kiwoom and KIA and recorded 4 wins, 2 losses and 2 consecutive winning series, turning back on the rebound. 

As Jung Bo-geun and Son Seong-bin started a great rebellion and supported the team, they are spurring their comeback with Yoo Gang-nam. Yoo Kang-nam participated in the 2nd group rehabilitation match from Seosan Hanhwa on the 12th. In the game on the 12th, he went 3 at bats and hit hard, and he played defense until the 5th inning and was replaced. In the game on the 13th the next day, a two-run four was fired from 2nd out and 1st base in the top of the 7th inning. He played all 9 innings of defense.

First of all, director Larry Sutton is not trying to rush Yoo Kang-nam’s return. On the 13th, ahead of the resignation KIA match, coach Sutton said about the news of Yoo Kang-nam’s 2nd team game, “I showed a good figure in the 2nd team. He played defense and showed good form at the plate. But he won’t be rushing to call up. He’ll post it after he’s fully built up. It’s obviously a big help when Kang-Nam Yoo returns, but Kang-Nam Yoo’s health comes first. He will make sure he is in 100% condition and then he will call up.”먹튀검증

This is a possible option as Jung Bo-geun and Son Seong-bin are currently filling the void. Coach Sutton said, “The two catchers, Jeong Bo-geun and Son Seong-bin, in the first team are doing well in good health. So, I plan not to hurry with Yoo Kang-nam’s call-up.”

Although he is digesting the game, it is important for Kang-Nam Yoo to return as healthily as possible and complete the rest of the season. Even before the internal oblique injury, my knee wasn’t in a very good condition, so it’s important to take care of it perfectly. 

In order to reach the right to advance to fall baseball, the presence of the main host is desperately needed as time is in a hurry. However, creating a healthy body condition cannot be overlooked. That’s why it’s nice to see Jung Bo-geun and Son Sung-bin’s performance. I created a background where I can improve my condition without rushing to call Yoo Kang-nam. And Yoo Kang-nam is also strengthening his will to return as he sees his juniors threatening his position.