The dream 40-steal trio is about to join forces.
KIA Tigers outfielder Na Sung-bum and infielder Kim Do-young will play against the Lotte Giants in the Futures League on the 20th (Hampyeong). This will be the first time they’ve played since their injuries, which means they’re close to returning to the first team. If all goes well, he could see his name in the starting line-up this week.
In his first year of free agency, the 2022 season, Na was a fixer. He hit .910 with 21 home runs, 97 RBIs, 92 runs scored, and an OPS of .910. Expectations were high for him as a solid centre fielder, but he was sidelined from the start with a left calf muscle strain, possibly an aftereffect of his WBC appearance. He was replaced by the rejuvenated Choi Hyung-woo, Lee Woo-sung, Go Jong-wook and Lee Chang-jin.
However, Na Sung-beom’s long-hitting ability was disappointing. The team often lost games by one run due to the lack of home runs. If Na returns, the KIA batting line-up is poised for a big bang. Lee Woo-seong has stepped up to the plate with his finesse and long ball power. Choi Hyung-woo and Socrates are also hitting well. Naturally, Na Sung-bum is expected to have a synergistic effect.
Kim Do-young can also be a force to be reckoned with. The main second baseman, Kim Sun-bin, left the team after being diagnosed with a fractured thumb in his right hand while handling a pitch. He won’t be back in the line-up for at least a month. The loss of a reliable third baseman is painful. He’s been harassing pitchers with his precision hitting and has been the link in any batting line-up.
Kim Do-young has the task of filling that void. The return of Kim, who can play shortstop and third base, opens up the possibility of shifting positions in the KIA infield. It’s hard to bench Kim Do-young with his offensive prowess. He’s likely to be given a spot at third base or shortstop. There is also the possibility of him playing second base.
In particular, Kim Do-young’s momentum could help the Runnin Baseball team get back on track. After returning from military service, Choi Won-jun showed off his unique stealing and running ability at leadoff and first base. Park Chan-ho, the two-time stolen base king, is also healthy. Choi Won-jun and Park Chan-ho have both reached 40 stolen bases. Kim Do-young is also considered to have the ability to reach 40.
If Kim returns, the team will have three 40-stealers. If he returns, the team will have three 40-stealers. You can also use a variety of plays. Even if you don’t steal a base, you’re still putting a lot of pressure on the opposing battery and defence. 안전놀이터 You can also see the picture of Na Sung-beom, Choi Hyung-woo, and Socrates clearing the table of 40-stealers.
Manager Kim Jong-kook said before the season started, “All three players have the ability to steal more than 30 bases. We can form a line-up with Park Chan-ho at No. 9, Choi Won-joon at No. 1, and Kim Do-young at No. 2. All they have to do is get out and they can get into scoring position with stolen bases. With the three of them batting side by side, it creates a lot of opportunities in the middle of the order. It will increase the team’s offence and scoring power.” His expectations are about to be realised.