You didn't even get a medical? The whole story of Doosan's sudden replacement of a million-dollar pitcher is
Dec 19, 2024
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Doosan terminated the contract with Thomas Hatch, who was acquired in November, on the 18th. He then officially announced that he signed a total of 800,000 dollars (about 1.16 billion won) with foreign pitcher Jack Rogue.
Hatch signed Doosan's contract on November 19. At that time, they did not go through a formal medical test. Doosan confirmed its health based on Hatch's data. At the same time, we cross-checked Hatch's physical condition through a local source. Doosan first proceeded with the contract and prepared a safety device. They agreed to conduct medical tests at this time because they will send their employees to the Major League Winter Meeting in December anyway. If the agreement was postponed a month later due to medical tests, there was a high risk that other teams would be snatched. For Doosan, rushing was a reasonable decision.
A sudden variable occurred here. A Doosan official said, "(The contract) was made quickly because there were competing teams" he said. In addition, Doosan set the standard very conservatively. This is because foreign pitchers Raul Alcantara and Brandon Waddell all dropped out due to injuries in 2024. The same mistake was carefully examined so as not to repeat it. An official from Doosan explained, `This time, we had no choice but to do a very tight medical test.'
Doosan responded quickly. Rogue was one of Doosan's final three foreign pitcher candidates this winter. Doosan has been keeping an eye on the log since three years ago. Rogue is also a pitcher who has drawn attention as an alternative mercenary candidate for several teams in Korea this summer. A Doosan official said "Contact has been maintained steadily. As soon as the decision was made to terminate the contract with Hatch, we formally put the offer to Rogue." Rogue made sure to pass the medical test.
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Log is a type that KBO league hitters are picky about. He is a left-handed pitcher who throws fast balls and has various breaking balls. Doosan said "Log uses a sweeper on a fastball, sinker, changeup, and cutter with a maximum speed of 147 kilometers." "The left-hander sweeper, which is uncommon in the KBO League, is the main weapon." He then expected that "Log is a player he has observed steadily for three years, and the deception (hiding motion) from the unique pitching form is good, so it will not be easy for hitters to attack.'
dhhan@sportschosun.com
