The process went smoothly.”
Edison Russell, a foreign batter who returned to Kiwoom Heroes after 3 years. He drew attention with his bulked up body, but he is controlling his weight before the opening. As befits the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series winning shortstop, his self-management is thorough.
His defense is still there. On the 27th, in the exhibition match against Gocheok Doosan, the team showed a defense of the ‘Jingi Myunggi’ level. In the top of the 5th inning, Kim Dae-han’s batted ball with 1 out and 1st base was kicked out with a one-bound by sliding the bent leg. Afterwards, when the ball came out of the glove, he held it with his right hand without a glove, lay down, and threw a ground ball to second base. The scene showed Russell’s quickness, wit, and situational judgment at the same time.
Despite his mistakes, coach Hong Won-ki was right when he said that his swollen body would not interfere with the defense. In the 2022 season, the 3rd period of Kiwoom was quite uneasy, but Russell’s return made it more solid. It has been confirmed that the defensive synergy with second baseman Kim Hye-seong, who has the best offense and defense in the active league, is already at a considerable level.
In the end, what matters is the bat. If he is a foreign hitter, he must hit a high batting average of 2-3 300 in the center of the batting line, or show slugging power of 20 home runs or more. Such a team creates synergy with other lines and produces good results. Kiwoom suffered a severe slump in the second half of last year, but it was thanks to Yasiel Puig’s strong hit that he kept the postseason margin line.
Kiwoom decided to renew the contract just by looking at Puig’s second half and postseason performance. Although they broke up due to unsavory incidents, they eventually paid for their name and left. Likewise, Kiwoom should provide enough time for Russell.
Russell failed to hit against Gocheok Doosan on the 28th. In 14 exhibition games, 8 hits in 34 at-bats, a batting average of 0.235, 1 home run, 6 RBIs, and 4 runs scored. However, coach Hong Won-ki said ahead of the game, “Russell’s process is smooth. He also did well as a hitter. He will make a good start from the opening.”
Internally, it has been analyzed that Russell has increased the depth of his hitting through the Mexican League. Director Hong also confirmed Russell’s positive aspects. “The exhibition game was a process of finding strength.먹튀검증 That way you can plan your season use. This year’s performance will change 180 degrees.”
The season is long, and there is a lot of time to evaluate. Will Russell be able to make up for the pain he suffered three years ago? This is one of Kiwoom’s most important points to watch this season.