No More than Two Runs

Seo`s BAA stands at 33rd in the National League. His ERA, however, is compatible with that of any of the ML big shot pitchers: it`s just 2.88.

The contradicting records tell a lot about the success of Jae Seo, who is called a Korean Greg Maddux.

Seo is not like that overwhelming against batters as Chan Ho Park (Texas Rangers) and Byung-hyun Kim (Boston Red Sox). He throws fastballs hovering just around 140km. He seldom strikes out, and allows quite a number of hits. Earlier in the season, he allowed one hit out of every three hitters.

Although Seo loads the base almost every inning, he does not give up many runs. He rarely allows consecutive hits.

Inha University coach Choo Sung-ro, who spotted the talent in Seo and reared him as a national representative, pointed out four reasons for Seo`s success, after watching Seo`s play on TV.

First, he praises Seo`s change-up. Back in Korea, Seo threw sliders frequently. But in US, he has picked up two more change-up techniques like circle change-up. Let`s say Park`s change-up moves from side to side. On the contrary, Seo`s drops vertically like sinkers. It`s hard for batters. First, the speed is different from fastballs. Second, a batter has only one chance of hitting the ball at the very moment of the dropping.

Second, he has a failure-proof ball command. He pitched 81 1/3 innings and threw only 17 balls.

Third is his aggressiveness. His outgoing personality has not faded thin during his five-year minor league experience and the rehab period from his shoulder injury. In addition, winning the gold medal in the Bankok Asian Games granted him immunity from the mandatory military service. His aggressive pitching comes from within himself.

Fourth comes his handsome appearance. After coming over to the Untied States, he has gained about 10 kg. But he now commands quite a large pool of female fans. Having many female fans means his club has to give more priority to him.

His ability to concentrate on games also stands out. Furthermore, he shows off excellent defense ability.

Hwan-Soo Zang zangpabo@donga.com