KIA trade match-winners, general managers, and coaches who support unusual medical+ study abroad also watch the first row...You did a good job
Feb 02, 2025
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KIA Tigers right-hander Cho Sang-woo (31) took the mound for the first time since his transfer amid high expectations. Cho Sang-woo held his first bullpen pitching at the Great Park Baseball Complex in Irvine, California, USA, the first spring camp training site on the 1st (Korea time). He threw a total of 25 pitches by mixing four pitches, including fastball and slider change-up forkball.
As it was the first bullpen pitching, the ball speed was up to 140 kilometers. Cho Sang-woo is a pitcher whose strength is a heavy fastball that exceeds 150 kilometers per hour. Although it is a restriction that does not meet that standard, there seems to be no need to worry as it is a process of slowly raising his physical condition while ending the season early last year due to shoulder pain. Since it is bullpen pitching, there is no reason to put much meaning on the ball speed.
KIA general manager Shim Jae-hak, who led the unconventional trade this winter, silently watched Cho Sang-woo's bullpen pitching with manager Lee Bum-ho. General manager Shim pushed for Cho Sang-woo's trade as a trick to fill the vacancy when Jang Hyun-sik, who was an internal FA, left after signing a four-year, 5.2 billion won contract with the LG Twins. KIA agreed to a trade to bring Cho Sang-woo by giving 1 billion won in cash to Kiwoom Heroes and two first- and fourth-round picks for rookies in 2026.
Cho Sang-woo is a player who continued to emerge as the best seller in the trade last season. The trade was not easy as Kiwoom wanted to match the card with Cho Sang-woo for the first round of rookie nomination, and interest fell sharply as Cho Sang-woo ended the season in August last year due to shoulder pain.
KIA drew attention by conducting an unusual medical test by bringing Cho Sang-woo in as a trade. This was to block the gaze of concern toward Cho Sang-woo's shoulder condition. Cho Sang-woo was diagnosed with cleanliness without specific findings as a result of MRI examination of both right shoulder and elbow.
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After pitching in the bullpen, Cho Sang-woo threw lightly because today (1st) was the first bullpen pitcher in the camp. I've been working out steadily during the off-season, so I'm in great shape,' he said, expressing satisfaction with the fruits of the past month.
KIA pitching coach Jeong Jae-hoon watched Cho Sang-woo's first pitch and said, `I think I made a good body during the offseason. Overall, I felt the strength of the ball and the movement of the ball was good. He said, "I'm looking forward to this season, and it'll be a big boost to the team's bullpen."
Jo Sang-woo, along with closer Jung Hae-young, will firmly protect KIA's back door this year. Only through Cho Sang-woo's trade match can KIA get closer to winning for the second consecutive year. Cho Sang-woo has 33 wins, 88 saves, 54 holds, 419 ⅓ innings and a 3.11 ERA in 343 KBO games. Manager Lee Bum-ho is planning to use Cho Sang-woo in the most important situation except for the save situation, as he is already a proven pitcher.
Jo Sang-woo is quickly adapting to the new team with the help of his KIA teammates. As it is a preliminary FA, the willingness to rebound in the new season is also great.
Cho Sang-woo said, `My fellow pitchers approached me first, talked to me, and coaches took care of me, so I'm adapting well to the new environment. Since it's just the beginning, I'll prepare it in time for the opening" he said.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
