“I think it’s psychological. I think it will get better once I find peace of mind and practice my change-up.”
It was a shocking result and a shocking second group performance. When the LG Twins gave up three prospects and brought in Choi Won-tae on July 29, no one expected this result. I thought I would just win all the way and achieve an overwhelming victory.
As such, Choi Won-tae’s recruitment was expected to be a key card for LG to win the regular season. It was believed that he could become an ace who could confidently face off against the opponent’s ace in the postseason as a third starter while filling in on LG’s only weakness, the domestic starter. At the time, Choi Won-tae’s performance at Kiwoom was 6 wins, 4 losses, and an average ERA of 3.25 in 17 appearances. His performance in Kiwoom, his lower tier, was good. It seemed like he would be able to achieve better results at LG, which has a good batting line and good defense.
When he earned his first win with 6 scoreless innings in his first appearance after transferring to the Doosan Bears on July 30, it seemed like he was almost certain to win.
On August 5th, he became the losing pitcher in the game against Samsung in Daegu, allowing 9 hits and 6 runs in 5 innings. He had some consolation in that he was weak against Samsung. Immediately on August 12th, he became the winning pitcher in a game against his hometown Kiwoom in Jamsil, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs in 5 innings. It was also good to see him lead the inning by allowing 3 hits (1 home run) and 4 runs in 7 innings against the Incheon SSG Landers on August 18.
But after that, Choi Won-tae suddenly changed. On August 25th, against Changwon NC, he collapsed with 15 hits and 11 runs (earned) in 4 innings. He collapsed in the beginning, but to save the bullpen, he threw a little more and gave up more runs. He must have been in bad condition, but on the 5th, he gave up 5 hits (1 home run) and 2 runs in 3 innings in the Suwon KT game. He was replaced due to rain stopping the game for 1 hour and 44 minutes and his condition did not look good. The Gwangju KIA battle on the 10th was also bad again. He gave up 8 hits and 7 runs in 2⅔ innings. Since coming to LG, Choi Won-tae’s record in 7 games is 2 wins, 2 losses, and an average ERA of 8.27. He showed a huge difference from his grades when he was raised.바카라
Ultimately, on the 11th, the coaching staff decided to downgrade Choi Won-tae to the second team.
What does LG coach Yeom Kyung-yeop think is the reason for Choi Won-tae’s sluggish performance? Director Yeom looked at the psychological aspect. He says he is in good physical condition. Coach Yeom said, “There are no physical problems. His velocity is also good.” Even in the KIA game, the fastball velocity reached 149 km.
It is interpreted that Coach Yeom feels a lot of pressure as he is transferring after receiving a lot of attention as a ‘championship contractor’. The fact that Choi Won-tae’s changeup, his main weapon, is not working well is believed to be psychological. Coach Yeom said, “Choi Won-tae’s change-up usage rate right now is only about 6%. Normally, it’s about 30%,” and added, “The change-up keeps falling into the ball, so it can’t be thrown. The change-up is what has brought Choi Won-tae to this point, and it’s good at it.” “I think the fact that it’s not working out is largely psychological. I’ll practice some change-ups in the second team and help them find psychological stability and come back on top,” he said.
Director Yeom said with a bitter smile, “I’m in a hurry, but as the old saying goes, ‘the more urgent you are, the better you have to go back.’ So I think I have to go back.”
LG called up Lee Sang-young to the first team on the 14th. He is a bullpen reinforcement.