“Bo-geun? I’m going to die.”
“Defensive catcher” has been the label that has followed Bo-geun (23, Lotte) since his debut. Until last year, he had batted just 1-for-1 (.175) in 206 first-team games over four seasons. Despite his solid defense, he was never able to break into the starting lineup. After years of struggling at the plate, Lotte finally signed Yoo Kang-nam (4 years, 8 billion won) through outside free agency last winter. There’s also prospect Son Sung-bin, who is returning from military service (discharged in June). That’s why there were no high expectations for Info Geun ahead of this season.
He is aware of the eyes on him. From the final camp last year, he sweated more than anyone else. Hitting coach Park Heung-sik said, “He decided to live and die.” The basics were fine. Their batting form and swing were not bad. However, there was a lack of rhythm and power in his batting. Coach Park said, “When I first saw (Jung) Bo-geun, she tended to hit with her upper body. It lacked flexibility like a stick. He improved a lot by using his lower body, including pelvic rotation.”
The effects of the small changes were evident. By the 20th, he was batting .426 (26-for-61) with one home run and 13 RBIs in 43 games. It’s not a huge sample size, but he’s been making some impressive plays. On April 2 against the Busan NC, he hit a season-ending home run against the league’s best pitcher, Eric Peddy. In the previous game, on the 20th, he completed a three-hit game against Gochuk Kiwoom. It’s a far cry from the days when he was busy following the ball. “Last year, I was trying to hit all the pitches, but now I’m focusing on the ones I want to hit. I feel much more comfortable at the plate.”
Above all, his confidence has grown. His face is bright. I’m asking the coaching staff more questions. He also swings the bat boldly in close games. It’s no wonder fans are cheering for the self-made turning point. Whenever he steps into the batter’s box, he is greeted with loud cheers. From “Buster Bo-geun” (Buster Forge + Jung Jung-geun) to “Jung Wol-dae Bo-geun” and “Vivid Jung-geun,” various nicknames have emerged. Coach Park says, “It’s a process of realizing one by one. I think we can grow even bigger if we keep doing this,” Park emphasized.스포츠토토
The growth of information roots is not just about the present. It is a sign of Lotte’s future. Lotte’s catching staff is led by Yoo Kang-nam, with Lee Jung-geun and Son Sung-bin showing their colors. Due to the team’s circumstances, Son Sung-bin was removed from the first-team roster before the game against Gochuk Kiwoom on the 20th, but he will be called up as soon as the expanded roster is implemented. Goodwill competition can create synergy. “Having a strong center line is a huge advantage for the team,” said Lotte head coach Larry Sutton.