The infield multi and the outfield? ...Raising Park Jihwan in his 2nd year as a professional of SSG

The infield multi and the outfield? ...Raising Park Jihwan in his 2nd year as a professional of SSG

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SSG coach Lee Soo-yong described Park Ji-hwan (20), a second-year infielder, as "a player that we need to raise." Park, who wore SSG uniform as the first round (10th overall) of 2024 KBO Rookie Draft, posted a batting average of 0.276, four homers, eight steals, and an OPS of 0.703 in 76 games last year when he was a high school graduate.

Though Park did not play full time, he showed off his batting potential. Notably, Park Ji-hwan showed off his batting performance in the league by posting a batting average of 0.411 and an OPS of 1.066 in 19 games in June. His batting pace gradually declined from the second half of the year, and he ended the first season without rebounding afterwards.

Lee plans to guarantee Park enough chances to play this year. However, it is difficult to play as a starting player in one position immediately due to the circumstances of the team. Choi Jeong and Park Sung-han will compete for third and shortstop, while Jeong Joon-jae will likely get a chance first for second baseman.

In the 2025 season, Park is expected to be utilized as an infield multiplayer. "If Choi Jeong hits the designated hitter two to three times a week, then Park Ji-hwan will join the third base," Lee said. "Depending on situations of Park Sung-han and Jung Joon-jae, Park can also play shortstop or second base."

Park also conducted outfield defense training at the wrap-up camp after the end of the 2024 season. Infield is the priority, but he also has the possibility to use it in the outfield as needed. He aims to use it in as many games as possible.

However, there is a risk that side effects may occur while playing multiple positions including multiple infield positions and the outfield. "I know what I'm concerned about," coach Lee said. "It's better if I can play in the outfield depending on the situation, and it's going to be the infield that I give."

"I have no resistance at all because I am preparing for various positions to help me play many matches," Park said, adding, "I have to show what I have in line with the coach's plan. I will prepare well in any position without any shortage." 바카라

Park plans to learn various positions in this camp and make up for his disappointment in hitting in the second half of last year. "As I became impatient, I ended up hitting a worse ball than the strike zone I set," Park said. "It's okay if I get strikeouts from a rookie, so I will set the best zone based on the coach's advice to make and hit the zone."