You want me to see the center field? Kim Hye-sung expanded the scope of defense use, second baseman in two games → shortstop's exclusive left-handed home and field utility
Feb 23, 2025
|
|
The plan is to hire Kim Hye-sung as a center fielder soon, who was hired on the condition of $12.5 million for three years and up to $22 million for five years, including club options.
Kim Hye-sung started as the seventh shortstop in an exhibition game against the Kansas City Royals at Glendale Camelback Ranch in Arizona on the 23rd (Korea time). He went 0-for-3 with one strikeout at bat and made an error in defense.
Kim Hye-sung, who started the spring training opening game against the Chicago Cubs on the 21st and recorded no hits and one walk in one at-bats, took a day off and moved to shortstop on the day. Shortstop Mookie Betts rested.
Kim Hye-sung struck out swinging with two outs and runners on first and second in the bottom of the first inning with a 2-0 lead. He hit a fly ball to center field in the third inning with no outs and no outs, and in the fourth inning with a 9-5 lead, he retired with a fly to center field in the absence of a runner.
Kim Hye-sung recorded his first major league error in the top of the first inning when he missed his opponent Freddie Permin's ground ball after two outs. Permin pulled Dodgers right-hander Nick Praso's 94.4-mile fastball outside the fifth pitch and hit a 105.6-mile walk toward shortstop. Kim Hye-sung put his glove to catch the ball that had been two-bound to his left, but the ball hit the glove and floated into the air, making the batter safe. However, Praso handled the next batter, Nick Prato, with a fly to right field and passed the inning without allowing a run.
Although the bound was tricky and fast, it is difficult to say that Kim Hye-sung's ability was determined by this error alone. With this, Kim Hye-sung recorded four hits, one walk, and one strikeout in two spring training games.
|
According to local media outlet Orange County Register reporter Bill Plunkett, the Dodgers plan to use Kim Hye-sung as a center fielder in the spring training.
Earlier on the 18th, MLB.com also focused on Kim Hye-sung in an article 'According to Roberts, Kim Hye-sung will prepare not only second and third bases, but also center field. He said, "I've never seen a center fielder in the KBO, but he played in 44 games as a left fielder in 2020, and before entering high school, he grew up as an outfielder, making center field more comfortable than corner outfield.'
As Kim Hye-sung is a utility player, it means that Roberts thinks of using him in various ways. Roberts said, `I think he can definitely win a major league game just by defending"The problem concerns the adaptation part. What is good for him? What is beneficial for the Dodgers? I can't answer it right now."
|
Kim Hye-sung has never seen a center fielder when he was in KBO. The center fielder has a greater defense burden than the left-right. The range of left and right is much wider, and the ball in the middle of the left and right must also be covered. They must have fast and accurate batting judgment and strong pitching power. If Kim Hye-sung receives a passing score as a center fielder, the value of use will be wider.
In response, MLBTR interpreted 'Kim Hye-sung seems to be paving the way for the Dodgers' main second baseman, which means a glimpse of his opportunity as a center fielder when used as a left-handed pinch-hitting agent' In other words, if Kim Hye-sung is in a situation where he is excluded from the starting lineup as a pinch-hitter or a logarithmic ratio, the option of center field will be added, which will expand the scope of his use.
James Outman is the only left-handed hitter who can see center field in the Dodgers, who is unlikely to be included on the opening roster. Tommy Edman, the main center fielder, is a switch hitter and weak against right-handed pitchers, while Kiké Hernández, Chris Taylor, and Andy Parz are all right-handed hitters. As a result, he intends to verify left-handed batter Kim Hye-sung's defensive ability in center field.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
