Can foreign pitcher Kenny Rosenberg (30) of the professional baseball team Kiwoom Heroes survive well in the KBO League? As Kiwoom's only foreign 'pitcher', the expectations from the club and fans are high.

The KBO exhibition games begin on the 8th. After finishing in last place last year, can Kiwoom demonstrate competitiveness this year? While the growth of young players is important, foreign players really need to justify their pay.

Kiwoom has decided to structure its foreign player lineup with 1 pitcher and 2 position players. To strengthen the batting lineup, they are preparing for the season with Yasiel Puig and Rubén Cardenas, while they expect Rosenberg to serve as the 'ace' on the mound.

Left-handed Rosenberg has a career record of 2 wins and 3 losses, with a 4.66 earned run average in 17 major league appearances. The statistics are not impressive. He has only 5 starts in the major leagues.

However, he has made 115 starts in the minor leagues. His career record in the minor leagues stands at 52 wins, 38 losses, 4 holds, and 4 saves in 163 games, with an earned run average of 4.06.

His top speed is 92.7 miles per hour (149.2 km/h). While he is not a 'fireballer', he has been assessed as having a good ability to get Samjin. In the minor leagues, he recorded 9.23 strikeouts per 9 innings.

Kiwoom expects Rosenberg to fulfill the role of the number one starter. In the past, Kiwoom has had good foreign pitchers such as Andy Van Hekken, Eric Yokishi, and Emmanuel De Jesus.

Rosenberg said, 'If I said that such expectations do not bring pressure, it would be a lie. I feel a sense of responsibility, but there is a saying in the U.S. that 'pressure is a privilege.' I always keep that saying in mind, and I want to show the responsibility I bear to the fans while thinking of my family back in the U.S.'

He is aware of the high expectations placed upon him. Despite this, he showed confidence during the camp period. He can throw a fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup, with the greatest confidence in his changeup. Rosenberg said, 'I can use my changeup whenever needed, regardless of whether the batter is left-handed or right-handed. My changeup has good deception. The motion of my fastball and changeup is almost indistinguishable for the batter. I can pitch to any desired location.'

It remains to be seen whether this confidence can help solidify Kiwoom's starting rotation in the 2025 regular season after the exhibition games.

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