38G Eight Home Runs to the Grand Slam 'New Home Run Squad' Samsung has returned to the second-tier home run king after MLB draft

Sep 07, 2024

38G Eight Home Runs to the Grand Slam 'New Home Run Squad' Samsung has returned to the second-tier home run king after MLB draft
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Samsung Lions right-hander fireballer prospect Kim Sung-kyung returned home on the afternoon of the 7th after completing the MLB draft league schedule.

Samsung dispatched four infielder Lee Chang-yong, pitcher Kim Sung-kyung, and training coach to the MLB Draft League to strengthen fostering resources for 54 nights and 55 days from July 15.

There was a remarkable achievement.

Infielder Lee Chang-yong has achieved meaningful growth in ball and defense.

In 38 games in the draft league, he hit .280 (40 hits in 143 at-bats) with eight home runs and 38 RBIs, showing off his clutch ability and unique slugging power to the fullest. He showed off his power that is not behind strong local promising batters. One out of every five games went over the fence.

At an important moment, he hit a home run and made an impression. The eight homers also include a grand slam. His defense has also improved significantly.

Lee Chang-yong said, `The U.S. players have very solid defensive skills, so I wanted to learn that part the most. The more I played, the more I improved my defensive skills and confidence I gained"Focused on defensive growth. "I learned a lot by actively approaching my colleagues and coaches even in hitting. As you gave us a good opportunity, we will repay you with good results in Korea" expressed his feelings.

38G Eight Home Runs to the Grand Slam 'New Home Run Squad' Samsung has returned to the second-tier home run king after MLB draft
Lee Chang-yong and Kim Sung-kyung who participated in the MLB Draft League.
Lee Chang-yong, who had been the home run king of the Futures League before being dispatched to the U.S., hit .304 with 10 homers and 33 RBIs in 46 Futures League games this season and a .601 slugging percentage. While being called up twice this season, he also took off the label of a nurturing player and experienced five games in the first team.

If a good batting sense is maintained steadily, there is also a possibility that the first-team call-up will be made using the expansion entry for the rest of the schedule. Unlike Kim Sung-kyung, who is still a nurturing player, Lee Chang-yong can play in the postseason depending on the situation.

38G Eight Home Runs to the Grand Slam 'New Home Run Squad' Samsung has returned to the second-tier home run king after MLB draft
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Right-hander fireballer Kim Sung-kyung, who sprays 151km, allowed 13 strikeouts, 11 walks, and 9 runs in 11 ⅔ innings in 11 games. In fastball-oriented pitching, which was somewhat monotonous, various breaking ball pitches were added to increase diversity.

"I thought about whether I would have a chance to play baseball in the United States, but I had a good experience thanks to the team's support," Kim Sung-kyung said. "It helped me a lot by learning various pitches and grips there. Through this experience, we will show you a better performance in Korea."

With the participation in the MLB draft league, the Samsung Lions will actively support the growth of prospects and establish themselves as a team power.

Photo courtesy = Samsung Lions



hschung@sportschosun.com