"My pioneering plan worked for ABS as well." Hong Chang-ki's pride and the task of retaking LG's summit
"My pioneering plan worked for ABS as well." Hong Chang-ki's pride and the task of retaking LG's summit
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LG Twins' outfielder Hong Chang-ki received two meaningful trophies at the regular league award ceremony. The trophies were earned by outstanding performances both in offense and defense.메이저사이트
Hong won the on-base percentage award at the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO Awards held at Lotte Hotel World Crystal Ballroom in Seoul on Wednesday. In this year's KBO League, Hong has a 447 on-base percentage, well ahead of KT Mel Rojas Jr. (4221).
At this year's regular league, Hong had a batting average of 3336 (five to six hits in 176 at-bats) in 139 games, with five homers, 73 RBIs, 96 runs and 10 steals. He kept his on-base percentage title by ranking sixth in batting average and hits, and No. 1 in walks (96).
He is the third in his career to win on-base percentage. Hong Chang-ki was honored with his first title in 2021 with a 456 and won his second title last year with a 444.
It is the second consecutive year that the award is meaningful. This is why the automatic ball determination system (ABS) was introduced in the KBO league for the first time in the world this year. "There were predictions that the on-base percentage would drop due to the introduction of ABS, but I'm glad that it ranked first for two consecutive years," Hong said with a smile. This means that Hong, who was ranked first in walks whenever he won the on-base percentage title, had accurate pioneering skills.
On top of that, Hong even received the right field defense award. He also won the defense award, which was newly established last year, for the second consecutive year. This shows Hong's contribution to the team.
However, LG advanced to the playoff by ranking third in the regular league, but failed to win the title for the second consecutive year. Last year, LG achieved its first combined championship in 29 years through both the regular league and the Korean Series. Hong Chang-ki contributed to the victory by ranking first (109) until last year's score.
In response, Hong Chang-ki said, "It was a disappointing season," adding, "There were players who were out after winning the championship, and I couldn't cope with that a little bit, but it would have been obvious from the outside." "There were injuries to the pitchers, so it went to the bad side," he said, adding, "Son Ho-young (Lotte) was also excluded from the field camp."
After the season, LG's bullpen became unstable as its closing pitcher Ko Woo-suk advanced to the U.S. and left-hander Pilseungjo Ham Deok-ju played for only 15 games due to injury. He also used a desperate measure to use foreign player Eliser Hernandez as a must-win bullpen for fall baseball.
"If we fill the hole and prepare well for next year, LG will be able to challenge for the championship again," Hong said. LG ranked third this year despite various unfavorable factors such as injury, and is still considered a favorite if it adjusts its performance for next year.
Jang Hyun-sik (left), a free agent from the KIA Tigers, shakes hands with team CEO Kim In-seok after signing a four-year contract worth 5.2 billion won (approx. LG) at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on Wednesday
In this regard, it is welcome to see Jang join the team, who is the champion and right-hander of the Kia Tigers. The LG Twins acquired Jang, who was released as a free agent after this season, for a total of 5.2 billion won (approx. Jang posted five wins, four losses, 16 holds, and an earned run average of 3.94 in 75 games at the Kia Tigers this year, while allowing one hit and no run in five innings at the KS.
"Actually, I remember Jang Hyun-sik throwing well to LG," Hong Chang-ki said. "I threw well to other teams, but in that sense, wouldn't it be a definite plus for LG?" Jang had an ERA of 2.16 in 10 games against LG this year.
Personally, he also had an off-season challenge. "His fastball is similar to that of KBO league players, but he threw a breaking ball close to 150 kilometers per hour and his ball control was accurate," said Hong Chang-ki, who played in the World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier 12. "And I thought I should hit a stronger ball," he said. "I will strengthen my weight training during the off-season.
It remains to be seen whether Hong will be able to play an active role in LG's bid to win the title by winning two consecutive games in terms of on-base percentage and defense this year.