KT Wiz Manager Lee Kang-cheol has redefined his infield plans for the season.
Lee noted in an interview before a practice game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Suwon KT Wiz Park on Nov. 11, "(Hwang) Jae-kyun is being considered for only first and third base."
That day, KT constructed its starting lineup with Kang Baek-ho (catcher), Kwon Dong-jin (shortstop), Heo Kyung-min (third baseman), Kim Min-hyeok (left fielder), Oh Jae-il (designated hitter), Hwang Jae-kyun (first baseman), Jang Jin-hyuk (right fielder), Yoo Jun-kyu (center fielder), and Kim Sang-soo (second baseman). Key players such as Mel Rojas Jr. and Bae Jeong-dae are taking some rest. The starting pitcher is William Cuevas.
Lee said, "Today, I took Rojas out to see (Jang) Jin-hyuk and (Yoo) Jun-kyu. I also need to look at (Oh) Jae-il. I put (Kwon) Dong-jin in to test him at shortstop." He added, "The young players are doing well, so I think we need to consider Kwon Dong-jin and Yoon Jun-hyuk for shortstop, and Cheon Seong-ho and Oh Yun-seok for second base, while Jae-kyun will have to be at first and third base. He also needs to perform well. Not everyone can make the roster."
Initially, Manager Lee had planned to utilize Hwang Jae-kyun as a utility player covering all infield positions. However, he decided to change the plan in order to give younger players more opportunities. Lee emphasized the importance of development, stating, "While immediate results are important, it could mean another year passes without achieving anything. Ultimately, (Kim) Sang-soo will age and have to give up his spot, and we'll have to start over again next year."
"I have seen many teams like that, and now I feel like I am doing the same thing," Lee said, explaining, "So, as of yesterday, I made the decision. Jae-kyun will now only train at first and third base. I think if we try to do everything, we will achieve nothing. It would be better to focus on positions he excels at."
Regarding shortstop candidates Kwon Dong-jin and Yoon Jun-hyuk, Manager Lee stated, "I have thought in terms of a longer view. There are players we are developing, and bringing someone else in could dampen their hope. They are capable and fast players. Perhaps they could be players to rely on for 10 or 20 years. I noticed yesterday that playing with fast players is also fun. I think our team should gradually change its color."
The competition in the outfield has intensified as Jang Jin-hyuk has joined regulars Rojas, Bae Jeong-dae, and Kim Min-hyeok. Manager Lee said, "I don't suddenly change my starting players. Since I have been doing this for a long time, the existing players will likely continue as starters," but added, "The players are already feeling the pressure. Since Jin-hyuk is doing well, (Kim) Min-hyeok has also improved. Even without me saying anything, the players must see the competition among themselves."
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