Second baseman → shortstop → center fielder, highly praised defense, Kim Hye-sung, and confident veteran teammates will ride platinum gloves wherever they go
Feb 24, 2025
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Kim Hye-sung played as a substitute in the home exhibition game against the San Diego Padres at Glendale Camelback Ranch in Arizona on the 24th (Korea time) and recorded one hit in two at-bats and one walk and one strikeout. Not only did he relieve the burden by getting a hit in three spring training games at bat, but he also went to center field for the first time and played impressive defense.
Kim Hye-sung started as second baseman in the opening game of the exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs on the 21st and played defense cleanly twice. In the first inning, Moises Bayesteros' fly ball was chased back to the right-center outfield and caught it with ease, and in the fourth inning, left-handed batter Mike Bush's 104.3 mph fast bound ball was stably handled.
He then played shortstop against the Kansas City Royals on the 23rd and made an error, but the hit itself was tricky. Freddie Permin's 105.6-mile hitting ball in the first inning was two-bound and bounced back after being hit by the glove while trying to catch it flying to the left. However, it did not lead to a loss. Instead, Kim Hye-sung caught right-handed Joey Wimmer's 102.1-mile fastball with a backhand in the third inning and threw it hard to first base to increase the out count. The batting judgment → the pitch → the pitch was neatly connected.
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After one out, left-handed batter Clay Dungeon's 91.2 mile-speed line-drive hit flew toward him, and he ran forward without delay and caught it leisurely. At this point, the local relay team is heading toward center field. Kim Hye-sung catches it lightly. With his quick feet, he ran out with quick judgment and caught him relatively easilyAfter praising "Kim Hye-sung is looking at multiple positions, which is a very important part that the Dodgers have focused on in recent years."
Overall, he is fascinating local officials with his impeccable defense. There are also compliments from colleagues about this.
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In a recent LA Times interview, he said, `Kim Hye-sung could win the Gold Glove, or Platinum Glove, as a second baseman. I can say with confidence right now"He makes sure of his defense. He also looks very athletic. He is also very good at double play. It's not that fancy, but it's just catching the ball and playing. I'm enjoying it. He has a chance to do something special" he said.
Rojas watched Kim Hye-sung's training and exhibition games two weeks after participating in the spring training and praised him like this. Platinum Glove is an award given to a player who shows the best defense through fan voting among the Gold Glove winners. It was established in 2011 and will be selected one by one for each league. Last year, Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Bryce Turang won in the NL and Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh won in the AL.
Manager Dave Roberts also recognized Kim Hye-sung's defensive ability.
Roberts told MLB.com on the 20th, `He thinks he can definitely win a major league game with just defense"The problem concerns the adaptation part. What is good for him? What is beneficial for the Dodgers? I can't answer it right now."
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
