I even had Cadenas in Puig...Kiwoom's surprise, 2 foreign hitters confirmed...The new pitcher is Rosenberg

Nov 26, 2024

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Kiwoom's unexpected surprise, Puig and Cadenas.

Kiwoom Heroes will throw an unconventional challenge for the 2025 season. I chose a card for two foreign batters.

But the players are also interesting. 'Return Tanga' Puig has joined hands with Kadenas, who caused a 'Taup controversy' at the Samsung Lions. It seems to be a team that has no choice but to be at the center of the issue before the season.

According to an official familiar with Kiwoom's situation, Kiwoom has reportedly completed all contracts for foreign players to be together for the 2025 season. The result is shocking. I chose a huge challenge. Two batters and one pitcher will go.

Usually, KBO League clubs usually have two starting pitchers and one batter when they have foreign players. The importance of a starter 'one-two punch' to be responsible for a game needs no explanation. Everyone is eager to find a starter. In the KBO League, three foreign players can be registered and three players can play, but not all three players are in the same position. For this reason, two pitchers and one batter are accepted as 'Jungseok'.

However, Kiwoom decided to go with two batters. As a result of analyzing the bottom cause of last season, it was judged that the impact of serious empty hits was greater than the pitching power. On top of that, Kiwoom's Kim Hye-sung, the core of the lineup, is set to advance to the U.S. Major League. It's a loose lineup, but if Kim Hye-sung is out, he thought it would be too hard to hit, so he decided to add destructive power to the lineup with two foreign batters.

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Next was which player to bring in. Dawson was removed from the list in tears because he had knee surgery.

First, as is well known, I contacted Puig. In fact, other clubs were also asked if they could release Puig's right to hold, but Kiwoom decided to be with Puig again, who had good memories in the 2022 season without such a complicated process. Kiwoom wanted to renew the contract after the 2022 season, but Puig gave up the contract after being investigated related to illegal gambling investment. However, it is known that Puig has no problem playing in overseas leagues at all. Through various routes, Puig was confirmed to be free from related problems. Kiwoom gave Puig a total of $1 million. It's a full guarantee.

It is Cardenas that surprises me more than Puig. Cardenas is a hitter who entered the KBO League as a substitute for Samsung this year. At the time of his debut, he attracted attention as a batter with tremendous talent, and as soon as he made his debut, he showed off his explosive power and received high expectations. However, due to a sudden back and hip injury, the store was closed, and the team was forced out after causing a 'debate controversy'. It is a 'low price contract'. Cardenas signed an annual salary of $450,000 and an option of $150,000, totaling $600,000. Meanwhile, Kiwoom will change the existing registration name of Cadenas to Cadeness. It was decided to reflect the pronunciation of the actual player's name as much as possible.

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However, Kiwoom has decided to accompany Kadenas, who is controversial. Kiwoom had been watching Cardenas as a good player even before joining Samsung, and recently checked his physical condition and confirmed that there was no problem at all in preparing for the season and playing the game. Considering the controversy during the Samsung period, it is rumored that he made a cross-check with all his heart and soul.

In the case of using two batters out of three foreigners in history, KT Wiz selected two pitchers after using two out of four foreign players (Marte and Black) as preferential treatment for the new team in 2015 There are two more cases of recruiting batters in general for the season. In 2019, Samsung used Lough and Williamson at the same time, and in 2020, SK Wyverns (SSG Landers' predecessor) chose Romak and White. Broomba and Clark of the Heroes in 2009 filled both seats with batters when they were two foreign players.

Meanwhile, Kiwoom, who officially announced their breakup with Heysus, who pitched well this season, also broke up with ace Furado. He found an ace pitcher to replace Furado, and he finally chose Rosenberg, the left-hander on the 40-man roster of the Los Angeles Angels.

Kiwoom, who formalized the recruitment of the three players after the report, said, `We have identified the weaknesses and needs to be supplemented last season, especially on the need to strengthen our offense. There was also a consensus that it was time for choice and concentration,' he said, explaining why he chose two batters.

Photo provided by Kium Heroes

Moreover "Pugh's personal problems have been identified through multiple pathways. Puig's side has conveyed that there are currently no legal issues. Puig continued his career in overseas leagues other than the U.S. without any problems even after leaving our team after the end of the 2022 season. It was judged that there would be no major obstacle for Puig to play next season at Kiwoom. Cardinez regretted not being able to show his skills due to injury last season and showed a strong will to prove his true value to KBO League fans with a healthy body," he said.

As for Rosenberg's recruitment as the team's only foreign pitcher, he said he was the right player to serve as the team's ace until recently on the 40-man roster.

Kiwoom also did not forget to greet the existing players who devoted themselves to the team. Kiwoom said "It's a pity to say goodbye to Heysus and Dawson even after committing to the team this season. I want to say thank you to the three players. All three players are capable of showing their skills in the KBO League or other leagues. The club does not exercise its right to withhold to open up their future. I hope everyone will find a new team and continue to show good performances."

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