The unified winners will get rid of the stigma of the most mistakes...KIA, which changed its defensive coach, even invited a defensive instructor to Japan

Nov 05, 2024

The unified winners will get rid of the stigma of the most mistakes...KIA, which changed its defensive coach, even invited a defensive instructor to Japan
The professional baseball KIA Tigers team held spring camp training at Gwangju Kia Champions Field on the 2nd. Kim Do-young is learning defensive posture at coach Kim Min-woo. Gwangju = Reporter Choi Moon-young deer@sportschosun.com /22.03.02/



KIA Tigers achieved the feat of winning the unified championship.

The construction of the dynasty can't be done in real life. Even the strongest have weaknesses.

"This is defense." He lost 146 points and suffered the disgrace of the team that made the most mistakes this season. With 81, he beat Samsung, the least-imposed team, 4 wins and 1 loss on the best stage. It was frustrating because I waited in advance, but it was difficult to guarantee the result if it had been a little twisted.



Of course, it is defense that determines the success or failure of the pennant race. It includes both visible and invisible defenses. KIA was not at the level to confidently say that it has a big advantage in the `invisible defense.'

So I rolled up my sleeves.



Coach Lee Bum-ho, who was empowered by the new contract, stepped up himself.

"I filled the defense with hits this season, but I don't know what the hits will be next year. As I played the season, I felt that defense was important. Defense is also important for pitchers' condition management. I'm trying to focus on defense,' he said, clarifying his focus throughout the winter.



He changed his defense coach first.

Coach Kim Min-woo was newly appointed. Bench coach Kim Joo-chan also came. Both coaches are defense experts. Coach Kim Min-woo, who played for KIA from 2014 to 2016 after playing for Hyundai and Nexen, served as a defensive coach at KIA from 2022.

I also get tutoring. Taiki Mitsumata, a former NPB player, was invited as a defensive instructor for Okinawa's finishing camp training, which began on the 4th.
Taiki Mitsumata. Source = NPB Homepage
Mitsumata Taiki joined Orix in 2010, played Chunichi, and played for Yakult for 11 years this season. Although the hit was not outstanding, he was recognized as an all-round infielder who could play all field infield positions such as shortstop, second baseman and third baseman within the NPB and played for a long time. At that time, he was evaluated as having a wide range of defense and stable throwing ability. Taking advantage of these defensive advantages, he is playing as a professional defense leader.

An KIA official said "We invited the instructor to improve the defensive skills of young players, such as strengthening basic skills during the closing camp."

Will the defense get stronger in a day. I can't guarantee it, but unlike batting dominated by natural talent, defense is an area that improves with acquired effort. Time, effort, and above all, the will of the players is important.



hschung@sportschosun.com