Perfect Agent [EN]: Chapter 239

Unwelcome Record (2)

└At this point, just set a new losing streak record. If we’re going to lose anyway, it’s better to lose big like this than to be mediocre. At least leave your name in history this way.

└If Jung Min-woo didn’t keep breaking winning streaks, the Jaguars could be in 1st or 2nd place right now, couldn’t they?

└Now, other teams facing Jung Min-woo must feel burdened too. If they’re the ones to end the losing streak, their team atmosphere won’t be great.

└Even when he comes up from the bullpen as a long reliever, he ends up losing. There’s no answer to how to break this losing streak.

└I heard he gets a lot of flak from the Jaguars fans at the stadium, but seeing him still play despite that, he’s admirable in a different way.

└But his pitching itself doesn’t seem bad. Has his mentality been shaken because he keeps losing, or is he losing because his mentality is bad?

└I don’t know about that. What’s really clear is that the Jaguars manager definitely has some kind of weakness. Why else would he keep putting up a pitcher who loses every time he comes up?

└But who else are we going to use as the 5th starter right now? It’s a fact that he’s on a losing streak because he’s unlucky. Honestly, there’s no one better for the 5th starter position.

└If we don’t have anyone right now, we should trade for someone. What’s the general manager doing? Call other teams.

└Trade for a 5th starter?? LOL. If we’re going to trade for all the players we need, why even create a team development system? It’s much better to test out a pitcher with potential from the minor leagues this time.

Most of the baseball news and community posts revolved around Jung Min-woo.

With the unwelcome record of consecutive losses looming, he was the center of attention.

I meticulously read each article.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that almost all of them contained criticisms and condemnations directed at Jung Min-woo.

Furthermore, Jaguars manager Kim Min-guk and pitching coach Seo Jin-woong were also frequent targets of criticism.

In reality, securing 3rd place, only a small step away from 4th at the season’s start, was a noteworthy achievement.

However, the fans seemed to believe that Jung Min-woo was the reason they weren’t higher in the rankings.

Adding to the negativity, the symbolic record of 14 consecutive losses amplified the sense of disappointment.

Yet, when examining Jung Min-woo’s pitching and detailed statistics, his performance wasn’t objectively terrible.

The velocity and quality of his fastball, slider, and splitter were sufficient for a starting rotation pitcher in a professional team.

Moreover, even while underperforming, he consistently pitched around 3-4 innings as a starter.

However, his misfortune was a significant factor.

It seemed almost impossible to maintain confidence when recording a loss every time he pitched.

Still, he was a senior player, a former teammate….

He was a year older than me, but since I graduated from college and was drafted, he was my senior in terms of joining the team.

That’s why this situation felt particularly bitter.

*Weeing-*

Just then, I received a call from Jaguars general manager Jo Gwang-hoon.

“Yes, General Manager.”

-Representative Kang, I want to introduce you to a good restaurant. Is your schedule open?

“It’s going to be another delicious place, right?”

-Of course. I wouldn’t take Representative Kang to a mediocre place.

“I understand. I have to trust you since you’re the general manager.”

-Then, is lunch tomorrow okay?

“Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

It wasn’t hard to guess why General Manager Jo Gwang-hoon was calling me so suddenly.

The next day, I left my accommodation to meet him for lunch.

* * *

The restaurant General Manager Jo Gwang-hoon chose this time was quite shabby.

It looked like it could be demolished any day.

I carefully opened the creaking door and stepped inside.

The restaurant was small, and I spotted Jo Gwang-hoon as soon as I entered.

“Oh, Representative Kang. Welcome.”

Jo Gwang-hoon greeted me with a bright smile.

I shook his hand and sat down across from him.

-We plan to do everything possible to win the league championship.

-As Jung Min-woo’s losing streak continues, concerns about our starting pitchers are growing.

Almost as soon as I sat down, the sashimi arrived, as if he’d been waiting for it.

“You must be hungry, so eat up. This is a really delicious aged sashimi restaurant. It’s still a hidden gem, but once it becomes famous, we might not be able to get in.”

Last time, Jo Gwang-hoon grilled the meat himself, making me feel uncomfortable throughout the meal. This time, however, the food was served ready-to-eat, allowing me to relax and enjoy it.

I picked up a piece of sashimi and ate it.

“It’s delicious. It tastes different from regular sashimi, doesn’t it?”

“Of course. I often come here with other team managers. The food is very clean and tastes great.”

I quickly realized that Jo Gwang-hoon’s bold claims were accurate.

I couldn’t help but exclaim in delight throughout the aged sashimi meal.

We enjoyed our meal while engaging in casual conversation.

As the meal neared its end, I subtly steered the conversation toward baseball.

“General Manager, the Jaguars are doing well these days, so you must be feeling some relief?”

“Oh, we’re still far from it. No team is without its weaknesses. A general manager always has to be busy behind the scenes.”

Jo Gwang-hoon shook his head.

“Still, being in 3rd place at the start of the season and not being far from 1st place means you’re doing well.”

“It’s important to maintain our position, but we need to turn things around at some point. To do that, we need something big.”

“That’s right. We’ll have to make a move in the summer.”

“In your opinion, Representative Kang, what’s the most important area for our team to improve right now?”

What are the Jaguars lacking…?

Michael Scott and Yang Hyun-jae form a strong one-two punch in the starting rotation, so there’s no need to worry there.

The lineup and defense are also relatively stable.

Donald Watson and Seo Seong-min anchor the team, leading the offense with their consistent hitting.

Han Gyo-jin’s excellent teamwork with Michael Scott, helping him pitch effectively, and his contributions as a designated hitter can’t be overlooked.

The reason they weren’t in 1st place despite all this was clear.

“It would be great if the lower-ranked starters could step up their game a bit.”

The Jaguars’ 1st, 2nd, and 3rd starting pitchers were performing well, but the win rate was significantly lower on the days when the 4th and 5th starters pitched.

In fact, it’s no exaggeration to say that no team in the domestic professional league has five perfect starting pitchers to rely on throughout the season.

However, the performance of the 4th and 5th starting pitchers was crucial for winning the championship.

“Right? I feel the same way.”

“Are you considering trade options?”

“I’m not ruling anything out. But even a 5th starter is still a starting pitcher. Trading for one is a significant commitment.”

“That’s true.”

“I’ve been discussing it with the manager and pitching coach, exploring various methods, but nothing concrete has emerged.”

“Hmm….”

Hoping that a reliable starting pitcher would suddenly appear was a matter of pure luck.

“Representative Kang, you know Min-woo well, right?”

As expected, the conversation turned to Jung Min-woo.

“Of course. We were roommates when we played together.”

“What do you think is the problem with Min-woo these days?”

I could sense that Jo Gwang-hoon was trying to sound casual, but it was difficult to mask the desperation in his voice.

“His pitches themselves seem fine. It seems like he’s lost confidence on the mound because of some unlucky breaks.”

“That’s what I think too. If he can just perform to his potential, he can definitely achieve good results.”

Jo Gwang-hoon said with a deep breath.

“Min-woo *hyung* [older brother or senior] was once a top prospect. I’ve stood in the batter’s box when he was training, and his pitches are incredible.”

It was something that people who only saw him on the field would never imagine.

But what’s the point of performing well in training if he can’t replicate it on the field?

“Then, can I ask you a favor?”

“What is it?”

“How about you meet with Min-woo and offer him some guidance? As far as I know, Min-woo doesn’t have an agent right now. The club will generously compensate you for your consulting services.”

“Can I do that? There are coaches within the club.”

Even though I was close to Jung Min-woo, it felt awkward to offer advice while bypassing the coaching staff.

“It’s not unusual for an agency representative to advise a player. Other players are already doing it.”

“That’s true.”

“If Min-woo can just tap into his skills, I believe we have a real chance at winning the championship this year.”

The Jaguars’ championship….

It was clear that this year, with Michael Scott and Donald Watson performing exceptionally well on both offense and defense, was the most opportune time to contend for the title.

There was no guarantee that future foreign players would adapt as well and achieve similar results after the current ones left for the Major League next year.

“Okay. I’ll meet with him and talk to him.”

“Representative Kang, thank you. I’ll do everything I can to make a championship win possible.”

Jo Gwang-hoon said, gripping my hand tightly.

* * *

I left my accommodation early in the morning and got into my car.

My destination was the Jaguars’ home stadium.

I had already scheduled a meeting with Jung Min-woo.

We planned to meet briefly and talk before the team training session preceding the game.

I pressed on the accelerator to ensure I wouldn’t be late.

After a few hours, the Jaguars stadium came into view.

Fortunately, I arrived a little ahead of schedule.

I parked the car and entered the stadium.

While sitting in the familiar lobby, contemplating what to discuss with Jung Min-woo while waiting for him,

“Hyun-woo!”

Finally, I heard a familiar voice.

“*Hyung*, it’s been a while.”

I jumped up and smiled warmly at Jung Min-woo.

We exchanged a hug and greeted each other.

Then, I glanced up and checked his information window [referring to the protagonist’s ability to see a person’s status].

-It’s terrifying to even step onto the mound and throw the ball.

-I’m deeply worried because my family is receiving threats to their safety from some extreme fans.

As expected, Jung Min-woo’s mental state was nearing its breaking point.

He was terrified to even throw the ball, and his family was receiving threats.

To this extent, I worried that he might be afraid to live a normal life, let alone pitch.

It was clear that simply advising him to trust his pitches and throw with confidence would be meaningless.

Then, what would be the best approach?