'It's a day late 'Rolexman' will return with the highest salary of 12.4 billion clubs 'Rolexman' Should I change the worst atmosphere?
Jul 11, 2024
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MVP who led the LG Twins to the Korean Series for the first time in 29 years. The franchise star representing LG, who signed a six-year, 12.4 billion won contract, the highest FA in LG's history, comes at the most difficult time for the team.
Oh Ji-hwan, the main shortstop who left for a long time due to a hamstring injury, will return to the first division against the KIA Tigers in Jamsil on the 11th.
Oh Ji-hwan was left out of the first-team entry on May 30 due to a sprained wrist. At the time, he was expected to return in about 10 days, but Oh Ji-hwan suffered a hamstring injury while preparing to return and his return was delayed. He played in his first real game as a designated hitter in the residual military match against independent team Hwaseong Coreyo on the 4th, recorded 3 hits and 1 walk in 4 at-bats, and was scheduled to play defense in the Futures League game against Hanwha, which was scheduled to be held in Seosan on the 9th, and return to the KIA match on the 10th.
However, Oh Ji-hwan's return was also delayed by a day as the second-tier game was canceled due to rain on the 9th. LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said, `Oh Ji-hwan has to defend in the second division game as well.' If the second-tier game continues to be canceled due to rain, Oh Ji-hwan's return could also be delayed. Fortunately, the second-tier game was held normally on the 10th. Oh Ji-hwan started as the first shortstop, recorded one hit and three strikeouts in four at-bats, was replaced at defense in the bottom of the sixth inning, and finished preparing for the first-team game on the 11th.
With Oh Ji-hwan's return, LG will be able to play the second half of the year with a full lineup. Koo Bon-hyuk, who played as an infield multi-backup while Oh Ji-hwan was out, played shortstop all the time. As Koo Bon-hyuk played shortstop, Moon Bo-kyung and Shin Min-jae were forced to play without a break.
Oh Ji-hwan's return is expected to change the atmosphere for both offense and defense. Oh Ji-hwan helped his team win the regular league with a batting average of 268 and eight home runs and 62 RBIs last year. In the Korean Series, he hit 316 (6 hits in 19 at-bats) with three home runs and eight RBIs, including a dramatic come-from-behind three-run shot in the top of the ninth inning of Game 3, winning the Korean Series MVP and becoming the main character of the Rolex watch, the MVP gift prepared by the late president Koo Bon-moo. After the season, he signed an FA contract for a total of 12.4 billion won for six years, becoming the highest-paid player in LG's history.
In the second half of the year, LG lost 4 to 11 and 2 to 5 consecutive losses to KIA, and the atmosphere has fallen. On the 9th, he was completely defeated by Choi Hyung-woo with a grand slam, and on the 10th, he led 2-0 before allowing a tie in the top of the ninth inning and being reversed in the top of the 10th.
Coach Yeom expressed his intention to immediately use Oh Ji-hwan as a starter. Coach Yeom said, `I will put Park Dong-won and Kim Hyun-soo and Oh Ji-hwan as No. 5-7 depending on their batting conditions.' Oh Ji-hwan's defense was somewhat filled by Koo Bon-hyuk, but his offense was not. Will Oh Ji-hwan be able to change the atmosphere of LG. It is clear that the Salvation Army will return the moment it is absolutely necessary.
indyk@sportschosun.com
