The biggest topic at the beginning of the pro baseball season is last year's winning streak. After winning all three games with KT in the expedition, they defeated SK in the home opening series and took the lead in the 5th consecutive win in 7 years.

Lotte's batting line exploded with 9 home runs, the most out of 10. Here, the mound that ranked first in the average ERA was hard. I met Sung Min-kyu, one of the leading roles in transforming Lotte, and heard the driving force behind his 5th consecutive win.

-Please select the scene that impressed you the most during the 5th win streak.
"The three-point home run is the most impressive for the wagons that came out of the season opening season. We prepared well from the winter and showed a good appearance in the practice game, but in the first game, it could have been stagnant. I was able to get it right. I think the carriage could have won the player by hitting a home run there, and that victory hasn't helped him win the streak. "

-It's a wagon brought in as a defensive agent, but the hitting is very good.
"There was an expectation of hitting. I believed it was going to hit some level. Machado scored 17 home runs in the minors under the Chicago Cubs in the previous season. It wasn't a shame, but even the wagon did a good job of picking out Yoo In-gu, and he had a good percentage of chances. He said he had a great experience during the full season, so he signed with confidence. Lots of good hitters in the country. There are 1-5 players in the national team. I think the synergy might have been. "

-In a media interview, expectations for Machado were very low.
"I didn't say that the wagon was the expectation of the player. It meant that if I couldn't expect a 20% home run to pick up a shortstop for foreigners who specialize in defense. If I really defended, it means that I'm satisfied with a batting average of 0.270 and eight home runs. Because it contributes to winning. I think that even if the player takes only WRC + 100, it is a very satisfactory grade. "


-There is also a story among fans who brought 'Manny Machado' as a joke.
"Now to tell you, I actually signed Machado early, but I made a late announcement. I was expecting how fans would react to the signing of Machado. Even now, when I look at Machado's contract article, the comments are all bad." I'm here ',' Are you a defensive expert '?

-The center line where Machado and An Chi-Hong endured is hardened.
"It's true that the coach and Ahn Chi-hong joined, and the overall defense is strong. The part I care about most is that we run five straight games now, but one day the bat sinks. But the team that has the best defense, the team that the pitcher can throw a strike on Because the silver calculation stands, it can show a steady performance. With that in mind, I focused on strengthening the defense. ”

-Is it the same context that Ji Sung-jun, who was brought in by the general manager, goes to the 2nd Army, and Ji-geun Lee, wearing the first mask?
"That's right. The opinion of the field is that defense should be prioritized in the beginning of the season, and the pitcher is an easy player to throw, so the team of gunners has been chosen as the main catcher. In the beginning of the season, the team has to win a lot, and the pitching power must be accompanied. I think it's important to win. It seems like everything is going to be good synergistic. "

-At the beginning of the season, several teams are having trouble with the bullpen, but Lotte is holding on.
"I see possibilities when I see a player or a team. I've been playing Lotte and analyzing it, and there were a lot of young pitchers throwing a quick ball. But the problem was that I had little experience and didn't support the defence. I think that if supported, I think the middle fighter will be stronger than any team. Of course, Gobi will come, but if the defense is enough, I think I will make a strong bullpen next year and next year.


-At the time of inauguration, I said that I wanted to emphasize the process.
"I can't say for a certain percentage, but the team atmosphere has changed beyond what I thought. This is something I can't do alone. The club helped me sign up for free agent Ahn Chi-hong, and the position of Ahn Chi-hong as he came. I've been able to cultivate players to come in. I think it's running faster than I thought, but I think it's still far. The final process I think is 2024. "

-I think the process period is too long.
"I heard a criticism of" Which player would go to the military and why would I go to the military? "I think it makes no sense if I only watch my term and play baseball. If I get the money, I have to take responsibility. That is the goal. "

-It is said that the process is still in progress. Are you saying that the trade that you showed during the Stäubli is always possible?
"Trade continues to go. People who have tried any trade are more likely to fail, and I think it's better to try to win than to do nothing because of fear of failure. We've won five straight games, but are likely to lose five. It's enough. I think it's the job of the front desk to be able to give you what you're preparing for when the pitcher falls down when the bat doesn't fit. "

-That's why it continues to be a hot topic after the Stäubligg.
"I don't think it's right for me to be a topic. I don't think it was done by running alone. I think the team's effort is a result of the unity. It's not that I'm good at Lotte. I hope the fans think that the players are doing well and the results are coming out. "

-The image of walking on the ballpark alone was caught at the relay. How did it feel?
"I think it's very blessed. I can't enter the baseball field due to the opening of the crowd, but I'm an active player to watch the game in person. I'm grateful and watch it from the fans' point of view. I'm watching. You can see what the outfielders are thinking by looking in the outfield.

-If you are good at baseball, you will be treated as a star in Busan. It is urgent that there was no episode of not paying in the restaurant.
"I mostly eat in the stadium because of the Corona 19. But. The citizens of Busan really feel the enthusiasm for baseball. I feel good with a five-game winning streak, but I wonder what will happen if my grades drop. (Laughs) I went to the hospital for treatment. saw the name, yet they do not receive the support that it has been owing to sign a scratch card (laughter). "

- so good start, like going to need something did not get along with the fans.
"Every game, every game is a pity. I was waiting for the 3rd game of the Suwon expedition and waiting for the home opening game. I thought, 'If this spectator seat is full,' I was so sorry that I couldn't be with the fans. I can't say “I will win a few” or “I will win a few”, but I think if you stick to the process, you will get the result of your efforts. . "