I'm very satisfied with the blue color after wearing a TB training suit. Kim Ha-sung got the bat right away. Perfect baseball player coach praises me

Feb 15, 2025

Kim Ha-sung is training to hit at the Tampa Bay Rays camp at Charlotte Sports Center in Florida. Photo =Tampa Bay Rays Club X Account Capture

Tampa Bay Kim Ha-sung is having a video interview with local media. Photo =MLB.com Capture

Kim Ha-sung strongly expressed his feelings about joining his second big league team, Tampa Bay Rays spring training.

Kim Ha-sung arrived at Fort Charlotte Sports Center in Florida, where Tampa Bay's camp was set up, on the 15th (Korea time) and had an interview with local media. Kim Ha-sung, who appeared in a T-shirt written 'TB Rays' on a blue background, expressed his feelings about wearing a new uniform, saying "I like the blue color" and "I'm happy to come to a great club." In order to return to the team as soon as possible, I want to proceed with rehabilitation more intensively and quickly" he said.

Kim Ha-sung, who signed a two-year, $29 million FA contract and moved to Tampa Bay, said of the timing of his return "Given his current condition and speed of recovery, we are trying to be optimistic about his return at the end of April."Everything is going well so far. Throwing training is also being carried out according to the schedule and short-distance throwing is being made lighter. The hit is also progressing much better than expected."

At a press conference to join Tampa Bay on the 4th, Kim Ha-sung said about the timing of his return, `I think it will be the end of April or early May.'

But I don't mean to overdo it. He is training with ease. I'm going to make my body 100% and come back. It won't be very early, he said. "(In the beginning of his return), even if he takes on a second baseman or a limited role, he will be willing to play for the team."

Kim Ha-sung signed a two-year, $29 million FA contract with Tampa Bay. Photo = Tampa Bay Rays Club X Account

As Kim Ha-sung is the highest-paid player in the team this year, he cannot help but be conscious of the pouring gaze. In response, local media Yahoo Sports said, `Kim Ha-sung's salary this year is $13 million, and next year's salary of $16 million is the highest in Tampa Bay history on a season basis.' If Kim Ha-sung did not hurt his shoulder in August last year, the Rays would not have signed him. Because it was possible to sign a $100 million contract.'"

However, Kim Ha-sung said "What has passed is what has passed is what has passed. I'm trying to forget about being injured. I'm just happy to finish the FA negotiations and join a good team like the Rays. "If I get back and stay healthy, I'll support 100% of my ability to win the Rays. To that end, I am now committed to training" expressed his determination.

Director Kevin Cash welcomed Kim Ha-sung's joining more than anyone else.

Tampa Bay Rays coach Kevin Cash. AP Yonhap News

Coach Cash said, `Kim Ha-sung is a perfect baseball player. His strong defense, active hitting, aggressive base learning and willingness to win speaks to his value. "I'm happy to meet Kim Ha-sung. I will speed up so that I can be with him and get close to him. He is a player of that value who does not have to come directly to the scene and leave an impression. He can play a good role in the clubhouse, communicate with colleagues and make sure he gets to know the medical staff and our people," he said, expressing anticipation.

Pitcher Jack Rittell said "I would have faced Kim Ha-sung the most among our pitchers, but he was a really hard hitter to get out. A player who plays hard with concentration that ordinary players do not have." Kim Ha-sung hit two hits and one walk in five at-bats against Rittel, and had a double and an RBI.

Kim Ha-sung knows our ace Shane McClanahan very well. This morning, I met (the infielder) Junior Caminero and greeted him" "It's my first day, so I'm busy, but I haven't seen all the camp facilities yet. I quite like it so far. All right. I'm greeting the players and the staff."

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.