Feet or Bats, Which Will Decide the Victory?

It is the first time for the semi –quarter opens in the end of October in the history of Korean Professional Baseball. Who will be the first winner of the first game between Hyundai of ranking three and LG of ranking four opening at 6:00 PM of 21st in Suwon. The semi quarters will be performed by first 2wins of 3 games.

Most experts forecast that Hyundai is superior to LG, even if no one can forecast who will win in a short-term game series.

As Hyundai recorded 173 team home runs (ranking 2) and 82 mistakes (the lowest) in this season shoes it is assessed to be ahead of LG in defense and offence. On the other side, LG recorded the common second in mistake (3.93) and in steals (140). So LG show superior in mound and mobility.

Experts analyzed Hyundai`s superiority focus that the victory of semi-quarter will be decided by great hitting power and bullpen strategy rather than a starting pitcher.

Koo Kyung-baik, Commentary of Kyungin Broadcasting evaluated “Both of the teams has not critical one-two punch compared to Samsung or Kia. So Hyundai possessing 7 hitters with more than 10 home runs including Shim Jung-soo is superior to LG possessing only 2 players.” And added “The bull pen of Hyundai is never behind LG.”

Ha Il-sung, a commentary of KBS, said, “In the end of regular season, Hyundai had game at right time, but LG hadn`t the afford, so Hyundai is better position in this respect”

Kim Kwang-cheol, a commentary of SBS Sports Channel commented, “Hyundai is on the position to welcome having game with LG rather than Doosan.” and added, “Hyundai is supposed to be superior to LG because of it`s long hitting power.”

On the other hand, Hur Koo-yeon, a commentary of MBC showed minor opinion, “It can be unexpected game. LG hitters can overcome the starting pitchers of Hyundai such as Torres – Kim Soo-kyung –Lim Dong-sun. So if Kim Sun-kun director succeed his pitching strategy of swarm of bees, it has high possibility of victory.”

Hwan-Soo Zang zangpabo@donga.com