Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 102

#101. The Big Picture

“Commissioner, Choi Kyung-jae looks particularly bright today.”

“Indeed. It’s welcome news for Suwon, who have declared an all-out war to reclaim second place. How much has Choi Kyung-jae been utterly… hmm, tormented by the Warriors? Does he have something good going on today?”

While Choi Kyung-jae, who unintentionally caused a misunderstanding, was practicing his pitching, Senior Jang Deok-soo cautiously approached me and asked,

“Soo-hyuk.”

“Yes, Senior.”

“Do you think I should try to hit home runs more aggressively?”

“Home runs?”

Jang Deok-soo, who has been occasionally playing as a designated hitter due to Walter Smith’s arrival, reducing his defensive burden, is batting .270 with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs.

These are offensive stats a catcher could only dream of.

The reason Senior Jang Deok-soo is asking such a question now might be because of Walter Smith, who he is being compared to.

Walter, who joined the team late as a replacement foreign player, has a batting average of only .252, but he boasts an on-base percentage of .330 and a slugging percentage of .448, with 7 home runs and 19 RBIs, securing a spot in the heart of the batting lineup.

In particular, hitting 7 home runs in less than a month perfectly showcases Walter’s strengths at the plate.

Similar physique, batting order placed right before and after each other.

Perhaps Senior Jang Deok-soo feels a bit of rivalry with Walter.

“Senior Deok-soo, I don’t think you need to force home runs.”

“Really?”

“You’re doing great as you are. Um, honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without you behind me.”

It’s true. Unlike when Senior Jo Sung-oh was holding the fort alone, there’s a world of difference now that three hitters, including Jang Deok-soo and Walter, are supporting me.

“Rather, I think it might be better if you switched to a lighter bat.”

“Use a lighter one?”

“Yes, um, now that we’re on the topic, should I give you one?”

Unlike Walter, who dedicates his natural power solely to producing long hits, I believe the essence of Jang Deok-soo lies in the fast bat speed that comes from his power.

That’s why most of Senior Jang Deok-soo’s well-hit balls often become doubles that hit the fence.

Unless he completely overhauls his batting mechanics after this season, I think that’s the right approach for now.

After a brief chat, our offense began.

After number 1 hitter Seo Hyung-joo and number 2 hitter Senior Choi Min-seok were retired with consecutive ground balls, it was my turn to bat.

Choi Kyung-jae on the mound looked unusually cheerful.

“Senior Choi Kyung-jae, do you have something good going on?”

“…….”

These days, Jung Dae-han’s mouth has been closing more frequently.

Well, for Suwon, who lost second place, each game must feel like walking on thin ice.

I was thinking of getting a little closer since we’ll be playing together on the national team.

Is it just me?

“Ball.”

Jung Dae-han’s mouth, which I thought was firmly shut, opened only after the first pitch came in.

“Soo-hyuk, if that guy happens to…….”

“Yes?”

“Hoo, never mind.”

What is it? Why did he stop talking? It’s making me curious.

I let the ball that came in high and outside pass and waited for the second pitch.

“Strike!”

This time, a low pitch inside.

It wasn’t the type of pitch I was expecting, so I waited once more.

Jung Dae-han’s mouth opened again.

“If Kyung-jae happens to say something like let’s play on the same team, just pretend you didn’t hear it, okay?”

“Yes? What does that…….”

“Haa, forget it. What am I saying to the opposing team… Let’s just play baseball.”

Even the umpire listening in had his ears perked up.

He wants to play on the same team as me? Choi Kyung-jae?

What is this…….

It might be a bit lacking in terms of cost-effectiveness, but it’s not a bad story.

Choi Kyung-jae is one of the top three pitchers who will be available in the FA [Free Agent] market after this season.

Among them, Ryu Han-gyeol, who is considered the best, is almost certain to advance to the major leagues, and Senior Im Joon-young still seems undecided between the major leagues and remaining in the KBO [Korean Baseball Organization].

On the other hand, Choi Kyung-jae has repeatedly stated through interviews that he will remain in Korea.

He has clearly expressed his intention to prioritize stability over challenges, especially to play with national team catcher Jung Dae-han, whom he absolutely trusts.

Choi Kyung-jae, of course, but Jung Dae-han is literally a player who represents Suwon.

A veteran who has been protecting the home plate since the team’s founding and the player the coaching staff trusts the most.

Although it’s a bit early to say, the prevailing view is that he will become a coach and manager after retirement, literally a symbol of Suwon.

With Jung Dae-han like that, I naturally thought Choi Kyung-jae would also stay in Suwon.

“Could it be that Senior Choi Kyung-jae… asked you to move teams together too……?”

“…Forget it. Just pretend you didn’t hear it.”

He really looks troubled.

In fact, it’s a story that players can share privately.

Where to move teams, or let’s go to a certain team together, and so on.

But it doesn’t seem like a conversation we should be having during a game, especially since we’re not that close.

Let’s not pry any further for now.

But thinking about it, it’s a bit tempting.

National team starting catcher Jung Dae-han and special left-hander Choi Kyung-jae on our team?

Of course, our top priority is the return of Senior Im Joon-young. At least in my opinion, Im Joon-young is a much better pitcher than Choi Kyung-jae.

But what if Senior Im Joon-young goes overseas?

In that case, Choi Kyung-jae could be the top alternative.

Well, whatever happens later, it wouldn’t hurt to probe a little.

“Senior.”

“What.”

“If Senior Choi Kyung-jae comes to our team after this season, come to our team next year too.”

“What?”

“You can come and share the catcher’s mask with Senior Jang Deok-soo while preparing to be a coach. Hehe.”

“Hehe…….”

I’m not just saying that.

Even though I look like this, I’m the top decision-maker on this team…….

Hmm.

Let’s play the game first.

This should be enough as bait. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll tell Director Park to do some media play.

Choi Kyung-jae, with a cheerful face, is throwing good pitches today.

Aiming for the fairly heavy fastball that comes out of his smooth form…….

Thwack!

“Waaaah!”

Okay, let’s start working today.

* * *

– Ah! The ball got away! Choi Kyung-jae’s pitch went over the catcher’s head! Han Soo-hyuk, who was on third base, scores! The Warriors succeed in scoring the first run in the top of the first inning!

– Wow, I really don’t know what to say anymore. Han Soo-hyuk has single-handedly devastated Suwon’s infield.

– Han Soo-hyuk, who reached first base with a clean single to left field, succeeded in stealing second and third base consecutively, achieving 20-20 for the season [20 home runs and 20 stolen bases].

– In fact, if Han Soo-hyuk had decided to run, he would have already achieved 30-30. Anyway, congratulations on achieving the record.

– Ah, Suwon’s pitching coach is going to the mound. Choi Kyung-jae’s expression, which looked good until the start of the game, has suddenly turned pale.

– It’s inevitable. That wild pitch was clearly intended by Han Soo-hyuk. Han Soo-hyuk succeeded in a home steal in the game against Daejeon, right? Because that player keeps moving like he’s going to run, Choi Kyung-jae’s body has stiffened.

– Suwon’s manager Choi Yong-shik is laughing as if he’s dumbfounded. Ah, Han Soo-hyuk is really amazing.

Actually, I didn’t intend to go this far.

I should say Choi Kyung-jae’s cheerful expression today bothered me.

Before I knew it, I ran to second base, and since I saw another gap, I ran straight to third base.

I swear I didn’t intend to steal home. It’s not something that’s easy to do even if you try.

But as I pretended to run a few times, Choi Kyung-jae, whose balance was broken, threw a wild pitch.

“Soo-hyuk, Kyung-jae is going to cry again.”

“Um, I didn’t exactly intend to do that.”

“Hehe, if I were him, I’d lock the door and cry at home.”

I gave a light smile to Senior Lee Man-shik’s jest and sat in the dugout to watch the game.

I pictured Choi Kyung-jae coming in instead of Senior Im Joon-young, and even bringing Jung Dae-han next year.

If we can build the two foreign players well, we can build an ace-level 1, 2, 3 starter lineup. And if Senior Lee Man-shik and Senior Chun Sang-jin are in the 4th and 5th starter positions, we won’t be behind any team, at least in the starting lineup battle.

If we can bring Jung Dae-han, he is unconditionally welcome.

There are two catchers on this team, Jang Deok-soo and Walter Smith, but Walter’s main position is right fielder, and he is a foreign player who can leave the team at any time. And Senior Jang Deok-soo still lacks experience in first-team games.

It’s not a bad picture for Jung Dae-han to support Senior Jang Deok-soo here, spend his final years, and work as a battery coach.

Of course, it will take a lot of money to do that.

Hmm.

It’s July 2027 now, and if my memory is correct, I think there might be some investment results around next year.

Let’s think about the money later.

While I was thinking about other things, Senior Jo Sung-oh was retired with a fly ball to center field, and our team’s attack in the top of the first inning ended.

Seeing him safely catch the next hitter even after giving up a point with a wild pitch, he is definitely a good pitcher.

You never know what will happen in the world, so I should do some favorability work.

Should I try to be a little friendly when we meet on the national team?

* * *

Walter felt his condition was gradually improving.

First of all, there is no pain.

The minor pains in his knees, ankles, waist, and wrists that he had while playing as a catcher are almost gone.

Perhaps the reason is that he was kicked out of the catcher position for the past two years and only played as an outfielder.

It’s been about a month since he joined this team, and all the team members are respecting Walter, who has recorded a batting average of .252, 7 home runs, and 19 RBIs during that period.

Not only the teammates he plays with, but also the players who have been pushed to the backup position because of him come up and talk to him without hesitation. Recently, he has been having in-depth discussions about pitcher leadership with the huge guy who is the starting catcher of this team.

There are free discussions among the players without ignoring or giving special treatment to foreign players.

Walter is enjoying the fun of baseball itself for the first time in a long time.

Suwon’s leadoff hitter hits a hit and is on first base.

Thwaaaack!

The ball hit by the second hitter flew quickly towards him.

Taking light steps, he ran towards the ball.

In the past, he might have waddled because his knees hurt, but not anymore.

Walter, who lightly scooped up the ball that was trying to get past him, turned his gaze to the runner.

The runner on first base was gritting his teeth and running to second base. Considering that player’s speed, he will definitely aim for third base.

“Heup!”

Walter, who briefly thought of a normal relay play, shouted as if he had decided something and threw the ball with all his might.

It’s a gamble.

The strong and fast throw, honed by his catcher life, flew towards the third baseman.

Chwaaaak

An Tae-gyu, who was running towards third base, attempted a headfirst slide, and Ahn Chi-wook, who received Walter’s throw, held out his glove towards him.

At a timing that was difficult to distinguish with the naked eye, the third base umpire’s mouth finally opened after hesitating for a moment.

“Out!”

“Hey! Why is that out!”

Suwon’s manager Choi Yong-shik ran out from the Suwon bench and protested, and a video review was immediately conducted.

But there was no reversal of the decision.

“Out!”

“Waaaaah!”

“Walter! Walter! Walter!”

Walter’s name was chanted from the mouths of fans sitting in the third base visiting section far away.

On the ground, other teammates were giving Walter a thumbs up.

One of them, Han Soo-hyuk, the center of this team, who was laughing particularly loudly from the shortstop position.

The events that took place before today’s game came to Walter’s mind.

‘Where are you taking me? Why the catcher’s mitt?’

‘Just a moment, Walter. Just follow me for now.’

‘Damn it, you have to tell me what’s going on…….’

The place Han Soo-hyuk took him was the bullpen. An empty bullpen where no one had arrived yet.

‘Just catch a few balls for me.’

‘What? What ball? Are you going to pitch? Why?’

‘Just catch them for now.’

‘What is this…….’

Han Soo-hyuk’s practice pitching, which was not scheduled, began.

Walter caught all the balls he threw without knowing why. And he was shocked.

‘Answer me honestly, Walter.’

‘What is this… But what? What are you asking me to answer?’

‘The balls of the major league ace-level pitchers you’ve caught, and my ball now. How is it?’

Only then did Walter realize what Han Soo-hyuk wanted to know.

He wanted him to compare his ball to those of major league aces.

There was only one thing Walter could say.

‘You’re definitely… um, out of your mind. Why are you a hitter with a ball like that? And why did you stay in Korea?’

A satisfied smile began to appear on Han Soo-hyuk’s face after hearing the answer.