Korea Wagers All on Japan and Mexico Games

Korea’s Manager Kim In-sik Might Lay off the U.S. Game-

“Fold on the U.S. game; all wagers on the remaining two games.”

This could be an option for Korea in trying to make the World Baseball Classic semi-finals.

After observing the Group B preliminary game between the U.S. and Mexico in Phoenix Arizona, Korean national team manager Kim said, “There are no soft opponents in the main round. I won’t be playing my best pitchers in a game against the U.S. team.” Asked if he is willing to give up on the game with the U.S., Kim answered, “That is a possibility.” Even if Korea loses to the odds-on favorite, the U.S., Korea could still go to the semi-final if it defeats Group A runner-up Japan and Group B’s runner-up hopeful Mexico or Canada.

The U.S.: Strong Pitching Staff-

As displayed in the game against Mexico, the U.S.’ pitching is as solid as expected. Playing seven pitchers, including starter Jake Peavy (San Diego), the U.S. held off the Mexican battery, allowing only four base hits and no runs, with no more than 87 pitches throughout the game. Peavy, who is expected to start against Korea on March 13, only threw 23 pitches in three innings on the mound, allowing one base hit, no runs, and three strikeouts. “I saw a pitch as fast as 153km/h. The ball also had a good finish, which makes it harder to hit.” Brad Lidge (Houston) and five other relief pitchers effortlessly threw one innings each. The U.S. won the match, 2-0, thanks to two solo home runs by Derrek Lee (Chicago) and Chipper Jones (Atlanta) in the fourth and sixth innings respectively.

Mexico: Korea’s Mound Could Hold-

Although it lost, Mexico exhibited a solid performance as well.

While the battery was held off from scoring any runs, its pitching staff gave up only two runs. “I’d say we got game against Mexico. Mexico is easier to deal with than Canada since their batters are mostly right-handed. For pitchers, the closer David Cortez (Colorado) was the only one that made any impression on me,” said Kim.

Practice Game Today: Korea vs. Kansas City Royals-

The Korea national team spent another day resting. Seo Jae-ung and Kim Byung-hyun did some personal workouts while the coaching staff and catcher Jin Gap-yong watched the U.S. vs. Mexico game. The Korean team will hold a practice game with the Kansas City Royals on March 9. Park Chan-ho will start for Korea. Team manager Kim In-sik said, “We will try out as many pitchers as possible against Kansas City on March 9 and San Diego on March 11.”

uni@donga.com