Kiwoom Heroes shortstop Kim Hui-jip (21) is growing steadily under the club’s grand plan. The direction was different from that of role model Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres).메이저사이트
After graduating from Daechi Middle School and Shinil High School, Kim Hwi-jip, who started baseball at the Heroes Little Baseball Team, was nominated by Kiwoom with the 8th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2021 rookie draft and began walking the path of a shortstop for Seonggol. Having received a chance in the first team from his first year as a pro, he is drawing an upward trend in both offense and defense. This year, the 3rd year of his debut, he is recording a batting average of 0.259 in 56 games, 3 homers, 16 RBIs, 18 points, an on-base percentage of 0.352 and a slugging percentage of 0.379. OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.731 is 17th among all infielders in the KBO League this year, and those under the age of 25 are Noh Si-hwan (23, Hanwha), Kim Hye-seong (24, Kiwoom), Moon Bo-kyung (23, LG), and Kim Ji-chan (22, 22-year-old). Samsung) only.
When asked by reporters what kind of player Kim Hwi-jip is likely to grow ahead of the Gocheok KIA game on the 14th, Kiwoom Hong Won-ki (50), coach Hong Won-ki (50), said, “He is a player with one-hit power. If he grows up, I think he will grow very big as a next-generation shortstop or infielder.”
Since his days at Shinil High School, long hitting power has been Kim’s greatest attraction, but evaluations of shortstop defense have been mixed. Due to his slow feet, the range of defense is narrow and his shoulder can barely see third base, and in the pro, it was expected that he would settle for second or third baseman rather than shortstop. Considering that he showed below-league average defense with 14 errors as the starting shortstop last year, it was difficult to criticize him for his high school days.
However, Kim Hui-jip is still playing as a shortstop this year. Even with the arrival of major league shortstop Edison Russell (29), he is steadily taking chances as a backup with 41 games (286⅓ innings) at third base and 21 games (141 innings) at shortstop.
Chae Jong-guk (48), Kiwoom’s first-team defensive coach, reacted naturally to Kim Hui-jip’s continued appearance as a shortstop. Coach Chae said, “Because shortstops and third basemen have different views, the training and training directions are inevitably different. Third base hits are mainly from the front, so you just have to pay attention to the distance in front and back, but shortstops have to look all the way. If you play baseman for a long time, your field of vision will inevitably narrow. That’s why, if you’re thinking of developing a shortstop, I think you need to let him play consistently so that he doesn’t lose his senses.”
In the opportunity given like that, Kim Hwi-jip is growing steadily, even though he is confused. Currently, following Coach Chae’s theory, he is learning the major league style one-handed catch and various throwing movements, breaking away from the Korean-style two-handed catch and overhand throw that he has been learning for over a decade. One of those trials and errors was the erroneous defense that turned Ryu Ji-hyeok’s hit into an infield hit in the top of the 6th inning against Gocheok KIA on the 13th. At this time, Kim Hui-jip caught a normal ground ball right with his glove, but he couldn’t throw it right away with first base. For such a low ground ball hit, it is best to lean down and throw it low like a sidearm, but this part was awkward because I was used to overhand throwing.
In this scene, coach Chae said, “Korea usually only throws overhand, but with such a ball, buffering is bound to occur. Also, in Korea, ‘blocking the ball with a glove’ is a priority when defending. Two-handed to receive the ball from the front. Catch is also in that context,” he explained in advance. “However, in a situation where the batted ball is fast like these days, such defense has its limits. Yesterday (13th), that scene was also a mistake made by the habit of (Kim) Hui-jip, who had been playing baseball for a long time. I am teaching him various throwing motions and ‘catching the ball with a glove’ when a ball comes in. There are still some immature points in that area.
” I don’t. I’m looking at the next three years full-time.” It is evaluated that it is premature for a young shortstop who has just started. The direction has also been set.
Shortstop Kim Hui-jip throws to first base./Photo = Kiwoom Heroes
Coach Chae said, “Kim Hui-jip is different from Kim Ha-seong and Kim Hye-seong (who have excellent athletic ability). Rather, he can be as big as Samsung coach Kang Jung-ho or Park Jin-man. Recognizing that, he kept his position as shortstop while handling balls within range. Also, (Kim) Huijip’s strength is his long hitting power. Although his shoulder is weaker than Kang’s, he can grow into an offensive shortstop like Kang’s.”
Kiwoom’s confidence in the growth of Kim Hui’s house lies in diligence, sincerity, and a spirit of improvement without any fuss. With his excellent work ethic (work ethic and attitude), he has been loved by leaders since his days at Shinil High School. He quickly adapted to the third base defense, which is different from the shortstop. According to coach Chae, Kim Hwi-jip missed 7 or 8 batted balls during third base training at this year’s US spring camp. However, as a result of repeated practice, there are no missed balls now, at least during defensive training.
Coach Chae, who has been famous for being rather strict and stern since his high school coaching days, doesn’t say much to Kim Hwi-jip. Coach Chae said, “I usually say something to players who play easygoing, but (Kim) Huijip doesn’t have that. If he thinks he’s wrong, he’s the type to keep thinking about it, so he tends to calm down and say, ‘It’s okay’. (Kim) ) He is similar to Hyesung. He is diligent and diligent in everything, so from a leader’s point of view, he has no choice but to love him.”
The command tower also expressed its intention to actively support the growth of ‘shortstop’ Kim Hui-jip. Coach Hong Won-ki said, “It is correct that Kim Hwi-jip is primarily a shortstop. There are ups and downs, but he is a player who has just turned 20. Young players cannot play all games well, and they must have a lot of patience to grow.” “He is growing well for his age and he is a player who will lead the future of our team, so we need more patience and encouragement,” he said.