Why is Kim Ha Sung perfect for LAD? Roberts likes cheap utility infielders, media
Dec 18, 2024
|
|
Local media outlet Bleacher Report put the Dodgers on top in an article titled `Top 10 Destinations Ranking of Padres-born FA Kim Ha-sung' on the 18th (Korea Standard Time).
Reporter Tim Kelly, who wrote the article, 'Last month, we expected Kim Ha-sung to sign a pillow-like contract with the Dodgers for a year and $14 million. It's going to be painful for Padres fans, but it makes a lot of sense.
'Pillow contract' means a contract, a one-year contract, like a pillow you can use comfortably in your sleep. Kim Ha-sung expected a bed contract because he is rehabilitating from shoulder surgery. Kim Ha-sung injured his right shoulder while omitting to first base against the Colorado Rockies on August 20 and ended the season early and underwent a washout suture.
As a result, the timing of his return next year has not been clearly revealed. Some experts believe that it will be as early as mid-April, and that it is impossible to return within the first half of the year. The prevailing view is that no club offers him a long-term contract because health cannot be guaranteed. If so, some say that the best strategy is to prove his health and skills next season through a one-year contract and declare him as an FA again.
But why do they say the Dodgers are the best team.
|
Journalist Kelly said, `President Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts like fielders who can see multiple positions. Especially when the market price of such a fielder has fallen, he concluded that the Padres fans will want to hear that, but Kim Ha-sung feels like the perfect Dodgers player.
For the Dodgers, $14 million a year is a bargain. It is believed that Kim Ha-sung can be used for a season to maximize the effectiveness compared to the price.
It is true that the situation worsened when the San Francisco Giants, who were considered Kim Ha-sung's leading candidate club, recruited Willy Adames, the largest FA shortstop, for seven years and $182 million. Adames' original Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, and original San Diego Padres are mentioned as Kim Ha-sung's expected destinations, but the Dodgers are actually an unexpected club.
After the Dodgers, reporter Kelly mentioned Detroit, Seattle Mariners, Atlanta, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, San Diego, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros.
jhno@sportschosun.com
