Mighty Power Hyundai vs. Flaring out SK

“Hyundai gets the better of the game, with a shade of difference.”

The baseball experts bargained on that Hyundai would get the jump on the 2003 Korea Series which will be held from October 17. They pointed out Jung Min-tae of Hyundai and Park Kyung-wan of SK as key figures who might help secure the victory of Korea Series for each respective team.

The former head coach of SK, Kim Sung-kuen, who took over LG to defeat Hyundai in the semi-playoffs last year, said, “At a big event like the Korea Series, the team which has as many good players as possible, has the absolute advantage. In that case, Hyundai, which has Jung Min-tae and Bowers as its key players, will get the better of the games.”

“The sluggers of Hyundai are weak against left-handed pitchers, laying themselves open to the curve balls. It depends on the pitches of Lee Seung-ho and Kim Won-hyung of SK,” pointed out Kim, adding, “The key to the solution is whether the left-handed batters of Hyundai, and Diaz and Lee Ho-jun of SK will play an active part in the games.”

He expected Hyundai to win the series in six games, but if SK were to win, it would be decided in the final game.

The KBS commentator, Ha Il-sung also put weight behind Hyundai, saying “Jung Min-tae of Hyundai and Park Kyung-wan of SK are the keys. If Jung Min-tae, who is expected to start the first and fourth games, wins both games then Hyundai will easily get hold of victory. But, if SK wins one of the two games that Jung pitches, then there is a possibility of SK of winning the series in six games.” Ha added, “SK depends too much on Park Kyung-wan. As for Hyundai, Jung Sung-hoon, who has just returned from injury, he doesn’t have the defensive feeling yet, possibly weakening the infield defense.”

On the other hand, Koo Kyung-baek, commentator of Kyungin Broadcasting Company stated, “Though Hyundai shows off a strong offense and strong starting pitching, we can not ignore SK’s rising strength. SK also had four days of rest after the playoffs. SK could win in seven.” Koo added, “Since the SK batters do not have a big swing but instead swing exactly on the ball, Jung Min-tae can be easily crossed over. Hyundai won in 1998 with Jung Min-tae and in 2000 with Kim Soo-kyung and Lim Sun-dong. But, Jung Min-tae does not pitch like he did in 1998.”

“Hyundai got the best pitcher among the other 7 teams. SK pitchers’ control of ball will nail down which team to grip the cup,” remarked Koo.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com