Can a 43-year-old geopo who came to the San Diego Padres pose a threat to Kim Ha-seong (28)?
On the 8th (Korean time), the official San Diego homepage of ‘MLB.com’ covered the defensive positions of the Padres for the new season. San Diego acquired big free agent shortstop Xander Bogarts this winter, infielder Matt Carpenter, and first baseman and designated hitter Nelson Cruz.
After the opening 20 games, Fernando Tatis Jr., who is released from the prohibited drug discipline, returns. As the infield and outfield are full, the position of existing players has become inevitable. “You have to talk to the players, but they want to win,” San Diego coach Bob Melvin said. Everyone is realizing the need to shift positions.”
With third baseman Manny Machado and shortstop Bogatz confirmed, Kim Ha-seong from shortstop to second baseman, Jake Cronenworth from second baseman to first baseman, Juan Soto from right fielder to left fielder, and Tatis from shortstop to right fielder. was drawn
MLB.com said, ‘Kim Ha-seong is practicing not only as a second baseman, but also as a third baseman and shortstop. So far, Kim Ha-sung’s defense has proven that it works anywhere, and he practiced in three places this offseason. Ha-seong Kim also said, “I heard that you will mainly play at second base. During the season, I will prepare for any position coach Melvin tells me to,” he said, revealing his multi-position will. 토토사이트
However, depending on the performance after the start of the season, there is a high possibility that the second or first base will change flexibly. MLB.com said, ‘Cronenworth’s place will be determined by the performance of the players around him. If Ha-seong Kim is good enough to be guaranteed playing time every day, Cronenworth will eventually play a lot at first base,” he explained. Given Cronenworth’s athleticism, it’s true that being limited to first base is a waste defensively.
MLB.com added, “Cronenworth could find himself at second base if Cruise has a comeback season and gets at-bat opportunities against right pitchers.” If Cruise, a 43-year-old with a career of 459 homers with a history of banned drugs, revives and increases the ratio of first baseman to designated hitter, it can directly or indirectly affect Kim Ha-seong.
Cruz was sluggish last year with a batting average of .234, 10 homers, 64 RBIs and an OPS of .651 in 124 games for the Washington Nationals, but he underwent surgery on his left eye after the season and is aiming for a revival. However, since 2019, he has played only as a full-time designated hitter, and the first base defense is all he experienced in one game (7 innings) last year, so it is unclear how much of a threat he will be to Ha-seong Kim.
Cronenworth also showed a willingness to prepare regardless of the position. “I feel comfortable wherever I am. He can play any spot if he can help the team,” he said. Cronenworth, who debuted in the big leagues in 2020, has played several positions, including second baseman (279 games), shortstop (61 games), first baseman (54 games), and third baseman (1 game).