San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo (27) has impressed even the three-time Cy Young Award winner, the 'indestructible' Justin Verlander (42). He praised Lee, saying, "He has the talent to succeed no matter what."

Lee Jung-hoo started as the third hitter and center fielder in the spring training game against the Chicago White Sox on 7th (Korean time) at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Arizona, hitting a two-run home run and achieving a batting record of 3 at-bats, 1 hit, 2 RBIs, and 1 run.

His second spring training home run came after six games since the solo home run against the Colorado Rockies on 25th of last month. Lee's recent performance in this spring training consists of 8 games (20 at-bats, 8 hits), 2 home runs, 4 RBIs, 6 runs, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts, with a on-base percentage of .478, slugging percentage of .750, and OPS of 1.228.

The San Francisco local media "Mercury News" reported that "Lee Jung-hoo showcased his power again with his home run against the White Sox." Unlike last year when he primarily batted first as a leadoff, he is now demonstrating his skills as a third hitter. Bob Melvin, the San Francisco manager, said, "Lee Jung-hoo likes to swing. I realized that when I watched him last year. He seems to fit much better in the third lineup now."

While the leadoff position, which is important for getting on base, requires seeing as many pitches as possible, evaluations suggest that Lee Jung-hoo's aggressive swing fits well in the third lineup. Lee noted that there are no major changes in his batting technique. He said, "I've been discussing a lot with the hitting coaches and receiving help through much communication."

Moreover, Lee Jung-hoo expressed a sense of responsibility, stating, "I believe that the success I am experiencing in this spring training is not just mine, but a process I have experienced together with the team, trainers, and the organization. They supported me 100% to return in good health, and I want to repay them and do my best to help the team."

This year, the newly joined pitcher Verlander in San Francisco has also recognized Lee Jung-hoo. Verlander stated, "I think Lee is clearly a player who is expected to perform at a high level. He has the talent to succeed at any level," adding, "In the past, he never seemed to lack skill, and he certainly does not now." He had previously noticed Lee's talent, which has now turned into certainty.

Verlander, born in 1983 and now 42 years old, has been recognized for his high value as a starting pitcher. He signed a one-year contract worth $15 million with San Francisco last January. Despite struggling last year with shoulder and neck injuries, recording 5 wins and 6 losses with an earned run average of 5.48 in 17 games (90⅓ innings), he is confident in his comeback this year.

In the spring training game against the White Sox, Verlander started and pitched 4 innings, allowing 4 hits, issuing no walks, striking out 4 batters, and giving up 1 earned run. He still throws fast pitches at a top speed of 96 mph (154.5 km/h) and checked his newly refined curveball. Manager Melvin praised Verlander's competitive spirit, saying, "He was throwing 96 mph and looked like Justin Verlander. He was very passionate. Even though it was a spring training game, he got upset after giving up a hit and a run. That's Verlander for you. It was really impressive."

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