Genius batter Kim Bum-seok starts the genius catcher project in earnest

LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop had higher expectations for Kim Beom-seok (20), a "genius hitter." Ahead of this season, the team has set up a plan to ensure the best use of Kim in the primary league and grow into a catcher with big guns. However, Kim himself took the opportunity. He failed to manage his body during the off-season and ended up failing due to an intramuscular muscle injury during the spring camp.

However, manager Yeom Kyung-yeop did not give up hope for Kim. He failed in the opening entry, but started fostering Kim again as he was called up to the first team on April 12.

When Cha named Kim Bum-suk in the 2023 Rookie Draft, he said, "The proper noun Kim Bum-suk will become the epitome of Korean baseball." As such, the club and the field have different expectations. Still, questions remain about his weight management, but he cannot hide his natural talent.

He occasionally received opportunities as a pinch hitter and became a troubleshooter, but now he is listed on the starting lineup as a first baseman or designated hitter. As Kim Bum-suk plays the role at a critical moment, the weight of the batters is changing. Currently, Kim Bum-suk has a batting average of 362li (21 hits in 58 times at bat) with three homers and 16 RBIs with an OPS of 1.000 in 20 games.

Ultimately, however, Kim should be positioned as a catcher. Coach Yeom Kyung-yeop harshly criticized Kim and said at the time of his absence at the spring camp, "He meant that he lost an enormous opportunity. The team, the coach, and the coach all offered to raise him, but he kicked the opportunity. It's unfortunate. Now, the opportunity will go to other players," in an unusual harsh tone because he hoped Kim would be positioned as a catcher.

Back then, he was injured due to overweight issues, and Kim's weight management is still a hot topic in his club. However, manager Yeom Kyung-yeop will not put off Kim's "home manager" project any longer. He will start a game against the Lotte Giants at Sajik Stadium in Busan on Wednesday as a catcher. Kim will wear a catcher's mask for the first time since his debut. He will work with Kang Hyo-jong as a starter.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said, "I plan to consistently send him as a catcher once a week. He will work with Kang Hyo-jong, but if he finds it difficult to mix the balls, he can sign from the bench. All he has to do is hold him well, and he tries to check how his ball is blocked and thrown. Only after checking, will he be able to check when he will be able to complete the game. If he does not send him out, he will not be able to check when he will be able to complete the game. If he does not send him out, he will train him on shortcomings and see how he has improved by sending him back to the game once a week."

If this build-up goes smoothly, Kim will become the team's second catcher. "If Kim sits as the second catcher, the batting lineup will be much better, and (Park) Dong-won will have no significant gap even if he takes a break. I think this is an attempt to strengthen our entry and depth next year," Yeom said. "If it is possible in the second half of this season, our team will be able to become stronger and have a card. It will give Park a break and become a depth where holes disappear."

If Kim had not been injured, the project would have been launched upon the opening of the season. Therefore, Yeom is disappointed. Currently, he is a legendary catcher-turned-coach Park Kyung-wan and is undergoing harsh training as a catcher. I hope everyone can overcome this process silently and display more capability and talent as a catcher. Managing one's weight is essential to display one's talent.

Coach Yeom Kyung-yeop said, "I did as much as I could. Now it's my job. Sometimes, I tell him to stop eating," while smiling, "When I see him at the first base, he is an athlete with excellent athletic sense. He has quickness even in his body. That's why it's much better to lose weight. Currently, he can only produce 60% of his capacity. That's why he wants to lose weight. He said, "You have to do it yourself."

In other words, if a catcher is caught in the current physical condition, he or she will have no choice but to live with injuries such as knees and ankles. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said, "I feel the same way as my father. He or she will not play baseball with me for a long time. However, players in a team are property and something that lasts forever," adding, "I am not saying this because I hate myself. I am being bitter and being a villain for the sake of my success."

Will a "genius hitter" be able to establish himself as a "genius catcher"? It can be seen at the game on Wednesday.

BY: 사설토토