Kim Kyung-moon, head coach of the national baseball team, selected Oh Seung-hwan, who was selected as a substitute, as the national team's closing pitcher.
Coach Kim revealed the idea of using a bullpen to reporters ahead of the national team's second day training at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
In the national team, starting second baseman Park Min-woo (NC) resigned due to a drinking scandal at the away dormitory, and sidearm pitcher Han Hyun-hee (Kiwoom) also dropped out for the same reason.
Director Kim filled Park Min-woo's position with left-handed rookie Kim Jin-wook (Lotte), and selected veteran Oh Seung-hwan to replace Han Hyun-hee.
With the addition of Oh Seung-hwan (Samsung), first in the league save category, the national team has increased to three pitchers, including Ko Woo-seok (LG Twins) and Jo Sang-woo (Kiwoom).
In a situation where traffic control was needed for one close pitcher, manager Kim chose Seung-hwan Oh, an experienced player.
Coach Kim said, "For now, I think of Oh Seung-hwan as the first finisher. Cho Sang-woo and Ko Woo-seok can be used in advance according to the opposing team's batting order and situation."
Regarding Cha Woo-chan (LG), which has raised concerns due to the recent decline in his status, Director Kim said, "I received a report that I don't have to worry about it."
Regarding Lee Eui-ri (KIA) and Ko Young-pyo (kt), who played the bullpen pitch the day before, he explained, "The battery coach informed me that he was in good shape."
In particular, regarding new pitchers such as Lee Ui-ri and Kim Jin-wook, he said, "I told them not to try to do better. They are all talented players. I have confidence that they will do well in international competitions. If you throw your own ball comfortably, there will be good results." emphasized.
The national team welcomed Seunghwan Oh, who was wearing the national team uniform again in 13 years, with a big applause ahead of training today (18th).
(Photo = Yonhap News)