Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 267

#266. The Weight of the Throne

[Breaking News: Seattle Mariners, 35% stake sold to new investment group]

[Min Tae-hyun, Vice President of Goldman Sachs, representing the investment group: “I am here on behalf of the investors who have funded this project. As we have secured the largest stake, we plan to manage the club with more aggressive investments.”]

[Seattle fans, initially anxious, welcome the news with open arms: “May God bless those who invested.”]

[Seattle Mariners, having resolved financial issues, execute a 1-for-3 trade with the Miami Marlins, including cash, acquiring multi-position infielder Liam Landman, semi-regular outfielder Kyle Shanahan, and middle reliever Carlton Bell]

[Mariners General Manager Daniel Mitchell: “We have filled significant gaps in the team through this trade. This season, the Mariners are a team that will contend for the championship. We will work harder to not disappoint our fans.”]

“Han Su-hyeok, the acquisition of the initial 15% stake is complete, and the remainder will be finalized within this quarter. Congratulations. A 35% stake in the Mariners will soon be yours.”

“It’s mine only after the payment is complete.”

“That will be resolved as soon as the dividend for the next quarter comes out. Personally, I would recommend selling it again for the profit if the club’s value increases… but I doubt you’d consider that?”

“No, I’m not doing this to make a few bucks. I just thought it would be nice to have a baseball team in the States to keep me from getting bored after retirement.”

“Understood. I will do my best to ensure that Seattle’s operations run smoothly.”

“Good. And this time, take a generous commission. Don’t keep offering to do it for free. That way, I can ask you for favors without hesitation.”

“Haha, I understand. I might suddenly become rich myself. I’m even thinking about retiring and just watching baseball.”

Originally, I was only going to acquire the 15% stake that Todd Henry put up for sale, but somehow the stake to be acquired increased to 35%, allowing me to have the loudest voice within the ownership group.

It doesn’t really matter if it’s known, but I asked Min Tae-hyun to keep my name out of it as much as possible. Seeing that my name isn’t in the news, he’s definitely capable.

Min Ye-rin and Min Tae-hyun, why are these people so normal and competent when they’re working, but when they come to the baseball stadium……

In yesterday’s final game against the Cardinals, the father and daughter duo stormed the field together and were escorted out by security, leaving a historical record of a father-daughter ejection.

Of course, since I know they’re my people, they won’t be sued for obstruction of business or anything like that.

Hmm,

Good grief.

“Hey, Han, did you hear the story?”

“What is it, Ty?”

“I heard that a current athlete is included among those who acquired the Seattle stake this time.”

“Really?”

“According to the rules, it’s either a player from another team or someone playing in a completely different sport… Ryan says it’s not him, so could it be you?”

“With my minimum salary, what money do I have to invest?”

“True, you said the contract money all went into buying a house, right? Hmm, then it must be an athlete from another sport.”

He’s not building the greatest career in Major League history for nothing; Ty is sharp.

I headed to the locker room to avoid Ty, who has an inexplicable, supernatural intuition.

Just in time, Manager Benjamin entered the locker room with the new transfers.

“Everyone, gather around. Good, let me introduce the players who have joined us today. This is Carlton Bell, a talent who will revitalize our tired pitching staff. And these two are Liam Landman and Kyle Shanahan, who will alternate with the starters and bring stability to the lineup. Ryan, you can introduce them to the players on behalf of the team. See you all on the field.”

“Yes, Manager.”

The value of my big investment was immediately apparent.

As soon as the frozen budget was released, General Manager Daniel brought in three players from the Marlins.

Each of them is a semi-regular player who will serve as a middle reliever and infield/outfield backup.

One of the reasons I chose Seattle when I entered the Big Leagues was because of General Manager Daniel’s ability.

Looking at the immediate impact alone, it would have been better to go to St. Louis and play with Ty Johnson,

But I trusted Daniel Mitchell, with whom I had a connection before regression, and who has consistently shown me sincerity even after regression, and who will become a renowned general manager who will leave his name in Major League history within a few years. That’s why I chose this team.

“Hey, Han, finally we meet. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too. Let’s get along well.”

“Oh, let me join in too. Nice to meet you, I’m Kyle.”

“Han, please take care of me.”

As the season progresses, my name seems to be spreading more and more throughout the league.

It seems that way, seeing players from the Marlins, who are not even in the same league and whom I have never faced before, acting like they know me.

In any case, I couldn’t help but praise General Manager Daniel’s insight once again.

It’s also thanks to the Marlins’ financial difficulties, but he’s a very good general manager just for being able to bring in players who could potentially play as starters at such a low price.

Anyway, with these three joining, team operations will be much smoother in the future.

“Okay, here’s today’s lineup. Everyone, check it out. Champion, you’re playing as designated hitter today.”

“Yes, Manager.”

The manager chose to put me in as a designated hitter instead of giving me a rest.

I don’t think I need a rest right now either.

Perhaps because I refrained from playing in exhibition games and focused solely on preparing for the season, I don’t feel any strain on my body yet. Of course, if any problems arise, I will be the first to request a rest.

Anyway, with me going in as a designated hitter, Tony’s spot disappeared.

It may be a waste of resources to have a player who can hit 50 home runs in a full season waiting on the bench.

I think it would be better for that guy to strengthen his defense and compete for a starting outfielder position, but that’s beyond my authority. Ultimately, the professional himself has to make the choice and take responsibility.

“Good, a start as soon as you arrive.”

“Damn, I’m jealous.”

Since all three of the players transferred this time are from the Marlins, they won’t be ostracized or feel lonely.

Liam Landman, who will be playing third base today in my place, let out a cheer of joy among the three transfers who were gathered in one corner.

The guys who had been watching their team sink day by day due to financial difficulties were satisfied with coming to Seattle, which is currently in first or second place in the division.

Of course, where there is light, there is also darkness.

Ronnie Montalic, who had been playing third base without much competition on days when I started as a pitcher or designated hitter, left with a stiff expression.

Personally, I feel a little sorry for him, but from the team’s perspective, this kind of competition is quite welcome.

In the end, a position is only valuable when you work hard and compete to get it.

I think this trade will be an opportunity for many players on the team to look back at their positions.

“Ty, how are you doing? Damn, Han, we finally meet like this.”

The team we will be playing a three-game series against starting today is the Tampa Bay Rays, a dark horse in the American League East.

A young and dynamic team with a team color quite similar to Oakland, operating the roster with a small budget and being called a dark horse every year.

Come to think of it, that guy was there.

James Taylor, the next-generation star hitter in the Big Leagues and the franchise star of the Tampa Bay Rays, who greeted me at the Olympics.

“Long time no see.”

“Yeah. Damn, by the way, you’ve gotten terribly big. How much do you weigh?”

“A little less than when the season started, about 250 pounds.”

“Whew, you seem to be maintaining your weight well.”

Not at all.

My weight, which I had increased to 256 pounds, or 116 kg, for the season opener, gradually decreased as the season progressed and dropped to 250 pounds.

To maintain this weight, I usually eat five meals a day, especially when I’m at my Seattle home. One of those meals is a high-protein, high-fat nutritious meal made by Min Ye-rin.

It’s also to maintain my stamina, but to send the Big League pitchers’ fastballs over the fence, I always have to maintain my strength.

Strength is ultimately mass X acceleration, and since there is a limit to increasing bat speed, increasing mass is the fastest and easiest way to create long hits.

It’s not for nothing that baseball players bulk up.

Of course, I don’t intend to go that far.

“Anyway, let’s have a fun game today. Ty, I’ll be going then.”

“Okay, be careful going to your dugout, kid. Don’t fall and grab your knee and cry.”

I’m being treated like a kid by Ty, but in fact, that guy is one of the leading hitters in the American League and is considered to be the player who will take over Ty Johnson’s position in the near future.

The Tampa Bay’s starting third baseman and third hitter with fast feet, strong power, and a precise batting eye.

Before regression, that guy and I had a fierce competition for the title of the best hitter in the American League.

Of course, I was doing both pitching and hitting, and that guy was all-in on hitting, so the situation was a little different.

In conclusion, the winner of that match was James Taylor.

“Hmm.”

“That expression again, hey. Han, you sometimes make an expression like our grandfather.”

“I hear that a lot.”

“Hmm, I don’t know. Is looking up at the sky the secret to your skills?”

Derek, who has become quite close to me now, stood next to me and looked up at the sky.

Looking back, my life before regression seems to have been neither one thing nor another, just awkward.

I chose to do both pitching and hitting to dominate the game, but injuries kept coming.

Because of that, I never achieved satisfactory results as either a pitcher or a hitter.

But not anymore.

With the help of many people, I have perfectly learned how to handle my body and have learned how to maintain the best condition without overdoing it.

I may have to add James Taylor’s name, who just visited our dugout, to the list of people who lost the most from my regression, as well as Andrew Davis.

As long as I’m here, the title of best pitcher and best hitter won’t go to those guys.

“Okay, 10 minutes before the game starts. Everyone, gather around.”

Because my regression has changed the fate of many people, I am trying to live even harder.

I pledge to at least not do anything embarrassing, bringing to myself the glory that might have been theirs.

And to withstand the weight of the throne,

I plan to do my best again today.