– Yoo Kang-nam solves chronic catcher problem
– “Team performance is more important than personal goals”
– Noh Jin-hyeok strengthens center line and slugging power
– “I will do my part in any position”
– Han Hyun-hee selection, all-weather strength of bullpen
– “Expect home fans to support … I want to run fast”
FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most prestigious메이저사이트 football clubs, once had a ‘MSN’ three-top combination. The combination of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. When the MSN line was activated, the opposing team was stunned by Barcelona’s powerful attacking power. This season, the Lotte Giants also joined the ‘Three Musketeers’, comparable to the MSN line. Kangnam Yoo, Jinhyuk Noh, Hyunhee Han, who wore a Lotte uniform as a free agent last year, is the main character. The FA trio showed off their extraordinary presence even before the start of the regular season, foreshadowing Lotte, which has changed this season.
▮Yoo Kang-nam “I work hard for the team rather than individual performance”
Catcher Yoo Gang-nam (31) signed a 4-year, 8 billion won contract with Lotte last year (down payment 4 billion won, annual salary 3.4 billion won, option 600 million won). It is the second highest ransom value after Yang Eui-ji (15.2 billion won, Doosan), which is considered the best free agent catcher in Korea. It is clear why Lotte brought Yu Kang-nam with a huge amount of money of 8 billion won. This is because after sending Kang Min-ho to Samsung in 2017, he has not been able to find a major catcher.
Yoo Kang-nam, who joined LG in the 7th round in 2011, played in 1030 games, hitting 0.267 batting average, 103 homers and 447 RBIs. Last season, he pitched 1008.1 innings as a catcher, and boasted of ‘Keumgang Buddha’ by playing more than 950 innings for the last 5 consecutive seasons.
Kang-Nam Yoo said, “This season, rather than achieving personal goals, I will try harder so that a team called Lotte can advance to fall baseball.”
Even before the start of the season, the ‘Yoo Kang-nam effect’ was revealed. Kangnam Yoo recorded 2 hits in 2 at-bats in the first game of the demonstration game against Doosan. In the second game, he hit a ‘grand slam’ over the left wall as a pinch hitter at the end of the 4th inning with one out and bases loaded, and fired his first home run in an official game after transferring to Lotte.
It’s not just an attack. Yoo Kang-nam is a master of ‘framing’ recognized by himself and others. He excels at turning balls that slip out of the strike zone into strikes. For this reason, Lotte pitchers are expected to see the effect of Yoo Kang-nam this season.
Yoo Kang-nam showed confidence that he had already finished adjusting to the new club. He said, “I think it naturally permeated thanks to the older brothers and juniors on the team who approached me first. (Old) Seung-min hyung and (Kim) Won-joong are especially close,” he said. “As breathing with the pitchers is important, we try to spend a lot of time together.”
▮Roh Jin-hyeok “I just want you to leave it anywhere in the infield”
Infielder Noh Jin-hyeok (34) wore a Lotte uniform for a total of 5 billion won (down payment 2.2 billion won, annual salary 2.4 billion won, option 400 million won) for 4 years. Noh Jin-hyeok, who made his debut in NC in 2012 as a special round for a new team, played 801 games, recording a batting average of 0.266, 71 homers, 331 RBIs, and an OPS (slugging percentage + on-base percentage) of 0.761. He has recently shown good form in both defense and offense, producing an OPS of 0.8 or higher for three consecutive seasons and 20 or more doubles for five consecutive seasons. In his demonstration game, he marked his debut with a three-run home run.
Noh Jin-hyeok said, “Until last season, Sajik Baseball Stadium was an away stadium, but now that it is a home stadium, it’s a bit awkward.” He said, “Originally, I had a hard time adapting to the club after transferring because I was very shy due to my personality, but I think I quickly melted into the team because the same infielder Kim Min-soo helped me a lot.”
With the recruitment of Noh Jin-hyuk, Lotte expects a ‘catfish effect’. The competition for the shortstop position, which is Noh Jin-hyeok’s main position, has intensified. Representatively, there is Lee Hak-joo. Lotte brought Lee Hak-joo from Samsung in January of last year, expecting him to become the team’s starting shortstop. However, due to an injury, he did not perform well. Then, with the recruitment of Noh Jin-hyeok, the fire fell on his feet, and he rebounded with a completely different look in spring camp and demonstration games. Regarding this, Noh Jin-hyeok said, “The position does not have to be shortstop. I can play my role in any position in the infield, so I am confident no matter what task I am given.”
▮Hyeonhee Han “I am a Busan man… Lose 12 kg”
Han Hyun-hee (30) wore a Lotte uniform for a total of up to 4 billion won (300 million won down payment, 1.5 billion won annual salary, and 2.2 billion won option) for 4 years. Han Hyun-hee, who joined Nexen (currently Kiwoom) in the first round of 2012, played 416 matches and recorded 65 wins, 43 losses, 8 saves and 105 holds. He has the advantage of being able to play an active role in both the starting and bullpen with excellent control and movement. Lotte had no choice but to covet Han Hyun-hee with the lack of 4th and 5th starting resources. Han Hyun-hee is expected to compete for the 5th starting spot with Lee Min-seok and others.
Han Hyun-hee also has a deep relationship with Busan. She was born in Yeongdo, Busan and grew up in Busan until she graduated from Gyeongnam High School. To show her good form for her hometown team, he reduced her weight by 12 kg during her off-season. Han Hyun-hee said, “I am really happy to return to my original hometown after turning around.” I want to enter the stadium as soon as possible.”