On The Rise As A Catcher [EN]: Chapter 109

“The Goth hitters are doing their part, but the pitchers are just not on their game today. The starter collapsed, and then the bullpen that came up afterward also collapsed.”

“We reinforced the bullpen, but we haven’t felt its power yet.”

“When the starter collapses this quickly, you miss the timing to bring in the bullpen.”

“Yesterday, Goth struggled to win, but today, it seems like Goth is giving up points too easily.”

A big score difference, and the opponent’s starter has only thrown seventy-two pitches even in the fifth inning.

He can pitch at least until the 6th, or even the 7th if he’s having a good day.

Kim In-hwan and Song Seok-hyun put in effort, but Seong Jong-hyun was smart.

Avoiding head-on matchups, he exploited their impatience and consistently got them out with ground balls.

“Seong Jong-hyun is coming down from the mound with one out remaining in the 7th inning. He’s thrown ninety-two pitches. He still has some leeway, but the manager is making a change early.”

“It seems like he made a quick decision because the balls flying to the outfield looked ominous.”

“Today, Goth’s KS duo hasn’t been performing, and the batting lineup has been generally sluggish. Even Seol Jin-il had well-hit balls caught today, only managing to get on base once.”

“This is Goth’s problem. There are too few reliable hitters. And is the pitching lineup outstanding? If you watch today’s game, you’ll question the depth of the pitchers.”

“Does that mean they brought in a lot of pitchers through trades, but there aren’t many usable ones?”

“That’s how it looks in today’s game. If the starter collapses, there needs to be a pitcher to support him, but even though they reinforced with an ace-level bullpen pitcher, the number is small, isn’t it? They can only use them when they’re sure to win, so they have to conserve pitchers.”

Top of the 9th inning.

Kim In-hwan gets on base with a walk, and Song Seok-hyun steps up to the plate.

Song Seok-hyun pulled the first pitch, a weak slider, but it went foul, missing the pole.

The second and third pitches are balls.

He pushed the fourth pitch, an outside fastball, but it was a line drive to the first baseman, resulting in a double play, and the game ended as it was.

“Goth couldn’t get into the game at all today.”

“Today’s game is disappointing. We couldn’t see a proper game. I think it was a game that only highlighted Goth’s weaknesses: the absence of a 5th starter and a replacement starter. It might be different in the postseason, but to lead a long league, they need to find a reliable 5th starter and a long reliever. Manager Ham Seong-hoon must have a headache today. They say you can never have too many pitchers, but even though they brought in a lot of pitchers through trades, they’re still short.”

* * *

“I’m sorry.”

After the game, starting pitcher Jeon Sang-heum bowed his head to the pitching coach.

“What are you sorry about? There are days like this.”

“I was given a chance, but……”

“Has your control been off lately? And your pitches aren’t extending properly.”

“Yes.”

“It seems like your balance is off. How about going to the minors to fix it?”

“……Can’t I not go?”

“You could refuse, but with your current performance, can you argue that you’re a reliable 5th starter? Your performance in the majors is cumulative. If you perform poorly in the majors, it’s harder to get more chances. It’s better to get your condition up properly in the minors and perform well in even one game in the majors.”

“……I understand.”

After Jeon Sang-heum left, the pitching coach called Song Seok-hyun separately.

There was something he definitely wanted to ask.

Success as a catcher

Awakening

The pitching coach asked Song Seok-hyun about Hong Dae-seong as soon as he arrived.

“What do you think of Dae-seong?”

“Dae-seong?”

“Yes, Hong Dae-seong. What do you think of him? You’ve been with him since the minors.”

“I haven’t been with him long enough to say that I know him well.”

“You’re the one who’s been catching his pitches in the minors and the majors. I thought you could give me an objective opinion about Hong Dae-seong.”

Song Seok-hyun pondered.

Hong Dae-seong.

Goth’s first pick in the 2013 draft.

What more needs to be said about a left-handed fireballer who throws 150km/h [93 mph].

Most players either have fastballs with poor control or good control with slow pitches, but Hong Dae-seong’s control isn’t bad compared to his fast pitches.

Objectively, it’s close to average.

“I think Dae-seong has potential even though he’s only twenty years old. The fact that he doesn’t get intimidated and throws confidently is already a plus. So I’m thinking of giving Dae-seong a chance to start, and I wanted to hear your opinion.”

“Well… Aren’t you the one who’s been watching Dae-seong the longest, Coach? I don’t really know…”

“I’m gathering opinions from various people, so don’t feel too pressured and tell me what you think.”

“If that’s the case…”

Song Seok-hyun thought about Hong Dae-seong.

“His physique is at a level that would work on any team. His pitches are fast, his slider is sharp, and even though it feels like he’s forcing it in, he doesn’t throw many balls.”

“And what else?”

“Dae-seong himself doesn’t seem very serious about baseball. I’m not close to him, but I’ve heard he goes to play games all the time. I haven’t heard him doing any personal practice, and when he does practice, it feels like he’s just going through the motions…”

“There’s a problem with his mindset?”

“I don’t know if you can call it a problem. But once he’s on the mound, he’s relaxed.”

“Hmm…”

Song Seok-hyun asked.

“But Coach.”

“Yeah, why?”

“If Dae-seong becomes a starter, is our team’s bullpen okay? I think it’s already a bit tight now…”

“Hyun-seop will be coming up in the second half. I think it would be perfect to put Cheon-un and Dae-seong in as the 5th starter and long reliever.”

“Ah, Senior Cheon-un is perfect. There aren’t any sidearm pitchers in our current starting lineup, and Senior Cheon-un has good stamina.”

“Really? You think it’s okay too?”

“Yes, of course. His pitching is aggressive, and the movement on his pitches is deceptive, so it’s good for inducing ground balls. He seems more suited to being a starter than a reliever.”

“Hmm, our opinions are similar. Il-hyeok said something similar.”

“Ah, is that so?”

“Okay. I’ll take your opinion into account. Good work.”

“Yes, goodbye, Coach.”

After parting with the coach, Song Seok-hyun was lost in thought.

Rich in quantity, poor in quality.

They brought in a lot of pitchers through trades, but it’s still not enough.

It’s the aftermath of constantly losing promising and ready-to-play pitchers due to frequent free agency.

Back at the dorm, Song Seok-hyun had a cup of coffee with Kim Jeong-ryul and Kim In-hwan and brought up the conversation he had with the coach.

“Taking from Peter to pay Paul…” [Solving one problem by creating another].

Kim Jeong-ryul clicked his tongue.

“I think bringing in a lot of pitchers through this trade was a good choice in itself. Our team was too short on pitchers. That’s why Man-seong, Seok-hyun, and Hwan-yoon were throwing and throwing again. Well, the outside world criticizes it a lot, but I think it was a necessary deal. They brought in a lot of young pitchers too.”

Song Seok-hyun said.

“I think it’s a bit 불안불안 [unstable/uneasy]. I’m wondering if we should be making such a big trade.”

“Actually, a trade of this scale is rare.”

“It’s a bit much to say this, but I wish they had brought in some hitters…”

Kim Jeong-ryul laughed loudly as Song Seok-hyun trailed off.

“You’re frustrated too, aren’t you, with our batting lineup?”

“We need a little change… The lower batting lineup is too weak, so it’s obviously a lineup where we can take a break. I heard that both Senior Yoo Seon-ho and Senior Lee Ji-seong aren’t in condition to come up to the majors.”

“You and In-hwan will have to work your asses off for the time being. What else can we do?”

“I’m working hard too, but I’m only human, so there are times when I can’t. I get too much pressure every time…”

“It would have been completely hopeless if we didn’t even have Jin-il. Right?”

“That’s right. If we didn’t have Senior Jin-il, really, ha.”

“This, this is a big problem, a big problem. You and In-hwan are doing everything.”

Kim In-hwan said.

“I don’t even know if I’m doing anything. I’m 퐁당퐁당 [inconsistent]. I do well one game, and then I suck the next.”

“The other way around, isn’t that saying you’re killing it every other game? That’s already something.”

“No, well… I don’t think I’m doing it to the point where I’m killing it.”

“You’re overshadowed by Seok-hyun, but you’re doing really well right now. Good pace.”

“Right? Seok-hyun is the problem, right?”

“Hey, why are you suddenly picking on me? What did I do?”

“The sin of doing too well? Hehe. This is a big problem, a big problem. Our team’s fate is in your hands, so if just one of you is in a slump, our team itself is creaking.”

“You’re making me feel even more pressured by saying that.”

“I’m saying it to make you feel pressured. Take good care of your body. Don’t do stupid things. Especially you, Seok-hyun… um… be careful.”

Song Seok-hyun narrowed his eyes.

“You know you’ve made me very tired, thanks to you, right? It hasn’t been many days since the reporters left.”

“Sorry, sorry. I’m a little sorry about that.”

“You’re doing well, right, Senior? You sold me off, so you have to do well.”

“Not bad. I don’t have time these days. But this time, the feeling is good. I’m meeting her this weekend anyway. Date, date.”

“I hope it goes well. So I’ll be less 冤枉 [wrongfully accused/treated unfairly].”

“Okay. I’ll get you the best suit.”

* * *

Although they were defeated in the game against Wales, the atmosphere of the third game was not bad.

It’s the day when Goth’s number one starter, Michael Fish, is pitching.

Michael Fish, who recorded an ERA [Earned Run Average] of 4 in the major leagues as a starter, was Goth’s best pitcher.

His flaw is that he uses traditional pitches such as fastball, curve, and changeup instead of the 변형 [modified] fastball, which is the recent trend in Major League Baseball, but he was a pitcher who made a name for himself in the Major League with just those three pitches.

Most domestic hitters can’t even touch Michael Fish’s fastball and curve that come from a high release point.

Wales’ pitcher is Gu In-seon.

He’s a left-hander who throws fastballs over 145km/h [90 mph], but his ups and downs are so severe that he’s like a roller coaster.

A match between an ace and a roller coaster.

That was the reason why Goth fans filled Incheon Stadium despite yesterday’s defeat.

“We are here at Incheon Stadium, where the third game between Goth and Wales is being held. The two teams have exchanged one win each, but Goth is likely to suffer from the aftereffects of yesterday’s defeat.”

“After all, isn’t baseball about momentum? Even if they’ve exchanged one win each, Goth, who lost badly yesterday, can be seen as disadvantaged. Losing by a large margin means the defense was long, and a long defense means a lot of physical exertion.”

“What do you think is the key point of today’s game?”

“In the end, it’s the obvious things, the starter and the batting lineup, right? How long the starter can last, how much the batting lineup can earn, that’s important, but the starter is likely to be in Goth’s favor. Gu In-seon is a good pitcher, but his ups and downs are severe. On the other hand, Wales, whose condition improved yesterday, is more advantageous in the batting lineup.”

“I see. Is Goth’s batting lineup lacking even though they have the KS duo?”

“No matter how well Kim In-hwan and Song Seok-hyun do, there needs to be a hitter to support them in front and behind, but that’s lacking. Seol Jin-il is doing his part, but there are no other noticeable hitters. In the end, Goth needs Michael Fish to do his part and the KS duo to score 1 or 2 points for sure.”

“In the end, it’s the KS duo again?”

“There’s no choice. The cleanup trio has all been traded, so the remaining players have to work hard, right?”

-Play ball!

The game started.

Wales’ starting pitcher Gu In-seon patted the rosin on his hand.

Goth’s number one hitter was center fielder Jeong Byeong-seon, not Seol Jin-il.

He’s not talented in hitting, but his on-base percentage is almost 10% higher than his batting average.

Still, his on-base percentage is barely over .350, but Ham Seong-hoon filled the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th spots with Seol Jin-il, Kim In-hwan, and Song Seok-hyun.

Seol Jin-il’s batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage have all been on the rise recently, but his flaw is that he doesn’t see many pitches.

Jeong Byeong-seon is good at getting on base, so Ham Seong-hoon concluded that he can provide opportunities for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hitters to see a lot of pitches.

Bang!

From the first pitch, Gu In-seon aimed for Jeong Byeong-seon’s body.

-Strike!

“A refreshing ball comes out.”

“Gu In-seon’s ball is good as expected. The quality itself is definitely good.”

“Jeong Byeong-seon was surprised and stepped back just now. That’s how good it was.”

Jeong Byeong-seon grabbed the bat shortly.

He stood close to the plate and crouched down.

It was an action to put pressure on the pitcher so that he couldn’t throw inside pitches to a pitcher with unstable control.

Bang!

-Strike!

“Jeong Byeong-seon can’t do anything this time either.”

“It’s a ball that’s well placed on the outside. When a ball like that comes in, there’s nothing a hitter can do.”

Jeong Byeong-seon stepped back from the plate and took a moment to catch his breath.

The Goth players who saw Gu In-seon’s pitch sighed.

“Today is that day. It’s a day when he’s on.”

“Why is he on today of all days?”

“It’s going to be tough today?”

Before the players could finish speaking, Gu In-seon’s ball came right into the center of the strike zone.

Jeong Byeong-seon swung the bat, but the ball had already gone in.

-Strike! Out!

“Jeong Byeong-seon is struck out helplessly.”

“The fastball is coming out at 147km/h [91 mph]. His ball is really good today. It’s very heavy.”

Jeong Byeong-seon returned to the bench with an awkward expression.

Song Seok-hyun asked Jeong Byeong-seon.

“How’s his ball today?”

“It’s going to be tough. His ball is too good.”

“How’s his control?”

“He’s not usually that good at controlling, right? It seems similar today. But his ball is more brutal?”

Seol Jin-il aimed for Gu In-seon’s first pitch, but his bat broke and he was out with a ground ball.

“……Ha. Look at the ball, you idiot.”

The hitting coach gave Seol Jin-il a scolding, but Seol Jin-il just nodded once.

He’s a player who goes his own way no matter what you say, so the hitting coach didn’t say anything more.

One way or another, he’s a hitter who’s giving them a batting average of .300, an on-base percentage of .400, and a slugging percentage of over .400.

You shouldn’t touch and change a hitter who’s in good shape.

“Kim In-hwan is coming to the plate.”

“The two hitters in front of him were out too easily, right? Kim In-hwan needs to do his part.”

Gu In-seon patted the rosin bag on his hand.

Left-handed hitter Kim In-hwan.

A power hitter who swings as if he’s going to break the ball if he hits it.

He has a lot of strikeouts, but he’s definitely a burdensome hitter for pitchers.

He wasn’t an easy hitter for Gu In-seon, but he wasn’t a difficult hitter either.

The reason why Gu In-seon is valued even with his 퐁당퐁당 [inconsistent] pitching and roller coaster pitching.

It’s because his ERA against left-handed hitters is in the 3s.

The fact that his ERA is in the 3s even with his erratic control means that left-handed hitters can’t get a grip on him when he’s in good condition.

‘Fastball, outside.’

The catcher’s sign was simple.

Overpower him.

Gu In-seon threw the ball with all his might, and Kim In-hwan swung the bat.