SSG Landers coach Kim Won-hyeong praised the performance of the ‘rookie pitching duo’ Lee Ro-wun and Song Young-jin. It is a faster-than-expected first-team adaptation.
Coach Won-hyung 먹튀검증Kim talked about his feelings of watching rookie pitchers Roun Lee and Youngjin Song this year from spring camp ahead of the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League season 1 match against the LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 25th.
Song Young-jin, who was given a chance to start as a substitute due to Kim Gwang-hyun’s break, has played 12⅓ innings in 4 games, recording an average ERA of 1.42, and even achieved his first win in his debut, performing beyond expectations. Lee Rowun also pitched in relief in all 6 games, recording an average ERA of 2.45 in 7⅓ innings and 2 holds, making a soft landing on the first team stage.
Director Kim said, “Both pitches are good enough to receive a passing grade overall. During spring camp, (Song) Young-jin had a variety of pitches. Rowoon had better pitches according to the figures shown in Rhapsodo (a pitching analysis equipment). The more camps I went through, the closer Youngjin got to it, and his pitching was good,” he recalled.
However, in recent appearances, both pitchers showed a different appearance than usual. In particular, Song Young-jin recorded 3 runs (2 earned) in 3 innings against the KT Wiz on the 20th, and his control was poor with 6 walks. Director Kim Won-hyung said, “The content wasn’t particularly bad, but if there was one thing I regretted, it was the walks. There are more walks than innings. I tried to throw the ball hard, so I couldn’t control the breaking ball well.”
He added, “It seemed that he was very nervous unlike what he threw confidently in the match against Kiwoom on the 21st. He enjoys going to the mound, but I think he has a burden even in that fun. Yesterday and today are different because he is still young.”
Director Kim Won-hyung is also worried about their future. Coach Kim expressed his opinion, “I’m in the first team and I’m digesting the bullpen, but I think I need to set a clear direction (for the two pitchers) as time goes by.”