Seoul: After observing the struggles of his young pitchers in two exhibition games against Japan over the weekend, South Korea's national baseball team manager, Ryu Ji-hyun, is convinced of the need to incorporate veteran players into his youthful squad for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ryu and the South Korean national team returned home Monday afternoon following a loss and a tie against Samurai Japan at Tokyo Dome. In the first game, South Korea lost 11-4, squandering a 3-0 lead and conceding nine walks. The second game saw a repeat scenario, with the team again losing a 3-0 lead, walking 12 batters, including four with the bases loaded. A solo home run by Kim Ju-won in the bottom of the ninth inning ensured a 7-7 tie.
Speaking to reporters at Gimpo International Airport in Seoul, Ryu emphasized the necessity of blending new faces with experienced players to form a complete team. The average age of Ryu's pitching staff was approximately 22 years, with some older pitchers, such as Son Ju-young and Won Tae-in, not participating in Tokyo due to fatigue from a demanding Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season.
Ryu attributed the young pitchers' control issues to unfamiliarity with the WBC official ball, differences in strike zones compared to the KBO's automated system, and the pressures of facing Japan, a long-standing sporting rival. Despite these challenges, some pitchers managed to perform admirably, and Ryu believes their integration with veterans will enhance the pitching staff.
Among the potential veteran candidates for the January training camp is the Hanwha Eagles left-hander Ryu Hyun-jin, who will be nearing 39 at the start of the WBC. A former National League All-Star and Major League Baseball ERA champion, Ryu Hyun-jin has a history of success on the international stage, including contributing to South Korea's 2008 Olympic gold medal win.
Ryu expressed satisfaction with the performance of his position players, particularly outfielder Ahn Hyun-min. A leading contender for the KBO Rookie of the Year award, Ahn excelled in Tokyo Dome, hitting home runs in both games, drawing three walks, and scoring three times from the No. 2 spot. Ryu noted Ahn's suitability as the team's No. 2 hitter and expressed confidence in his ability to perform well at the WBC.