I don’t know. You’ll see when the time comes…

Hanwha Eagles manager Kim Kyung-moon remained tight-lipped every time questions about the starting pitcher for the opening game arose as the exhibition games reached their end. In another year, it would have undoubtedly been Ryu Hyun-jin (38). There was no doubt that he was the best card in terms of both his symbolism and skills.

However, this year, the selection criteria and the pitching schedule for the exhibition games showed signs of a different choice. Foreign pitchers Kodi Ponce (31) and Ryan Weiss (29) were used in the games against SSG on the 10th and 11th, which included their starting dates. Ryu Hyun-jin made an appearance in the 5th exhibition game against Lotte on the 13th.

On that day, Ryu Hyun-jin threw at a maximum speed of 147 km/h, allowing 4 hits (1 home run), recording 1 walk, 3 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs in 4 innings, smoothly increasing his pitch count to 65. He was scheduled to pitch in the final exhibition game against Samsung on the 18th, but that schedule would have made it impossible for him to start in the opening game against KT on the 22nd just 4 days later.

There were expectations that he would raise his pitch count through bullpen sessions instead of participating in the final game, but that was not the case. Ryu Hyun-jin was planning to pitch about 70 pitches as a starter against Samsung on the 18th. However, due to cancellations from heavy snowfall, his final check-up for the exhibition games was called off, and he had to adjust by conducting bullpen sessions indoors to prepare for the season.

Given the name value of Ryu Hyun-jin, it would be surprising if he were not the opening day starter. Although he is a veteran in his late 30s, he was the only player on the team to pitch the required innings as the number one starter last year, and he has maintained good physical condition through a full spring training this year. Moreover, since the opening game starter is set to take place on the 28th at the official opening game against KIA at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, the ‘symbolism’ of Ryu Hyun-jin as the opening day starter is significant.

While history and symbolism are important, manager Kim Kyung-moon and pitching coach Yang Sang-moon chose practicality. There is nothing more romantic than Ryu Hyun-jin signaling the start of the first game at the new Daejeon stadium, but Hanwha, which has experienced a deep dark period with only one postseason appearance in the last 17 years, could not afford such luxury. They had to prioritize victory above all else and make selections that would benefit the team throughout the season.

Both Ponce and Weiss have already demonstrated their top speed of 155 km/h in the exhibition games, showcasing their complete form. Considering the importance of the early season, they need to maximize their chances of winning in the two opening games against strong team KT. There was no reason to postpone the use of these two pitchers.

In the exhibition games, Ponce became the winning pitcher in both games, throwing 9 innings with 3 hits allowed, 4 walks, 1 hit-by-pitch, and 10 strikeouts, while maintaining an impeccable scoreless performance. Not only does he have a powerful fastball, but he also showcases an excellent changeup that drops like a forkball and a curveball with significant dropping action. He possesses breaking pitches that can handle both left-handed and right-handed batters, and with stable command, he has hinted at the potential to become the best pitcher this year. KT manager Lee Kang-cheol, Ryu's opening game opponent, commented on Ponce, saying, “His pitch is the best. His form is beautiful; he looked really good.”

While Ponce is likely to start on opening day, it would not be surprising at all if Weiss were to take the mound as the starter for the opening game. Having won both of his exhibition game starts, he pitched 9⅔ innings, allowing 8 hits, 3 walks, 12 strikeouts, and 1 earned run with an impressive earned run average of 0.93. His primary pitch, the sweeper, has become sharper, allowing him to throw it effectively to both right and left-handed batters on the outside backdoor.

With a 155 km/h foreign one-two punch, Ryu Hyun-jin can afford to ease his burden more than in previous years. If Ryu Hyun-jin is the third starter, he can hold an advantage in matchups against any team. In the long run, this is expected to be a beneficial choice for accumulating wins for Ryu Hyun-jin and improving Hanwha's team winning percentage.

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