Sun’s Students Rising

Of all the pitchers Samsung has trained in the past 10 years, which one stands out? The name may not ring a bell. Named "Next Generation Ace" because of his heavy pitches, Kim Jin-woong has yet to gain recognition, despite the fact he was a first pick draft upon high school graduation. And also pitchers Lim Chang-Yong and Noh Jang-Jin, both acquired as free agents this season.

For the past three or four years, the team has focused on putting the bulk of the team’s significant funding toward buying “immense strength.”

Every pitcher that head coach Sun Dong-yul has invested effort in this season is being noticed. Pitchers Kwon Hyuk (21), Kwon Oh-joon (24), and Yoon Sung-hwan (23), none of whom have had the opportunity to put their names on the Samsung list, are performing exceptionally.

Lefty Kwon Hyuk and side arm throw pitcher Kwon Oh-joon, in particular, look promising. Kwon Hyuk, who graduated Pocheol technical high school and entered Samsung as the number one pick within his graduate group, stands 1m87 and 85kg, a suitable stature for a pitcher, and one that contributes to his fast throwing left hand.

Kwon debuted in the first division stage last year and this season he is in the starting line-up. He captured his first win in his first starting appearance against Kia on the April 7 with four hits and one lost point in seven innings. Coach Sun has a strong affection for Kwon and refused LG’s proposal to trade Kwon with Lee Sang-hoon (now SK) in this season’s Stove League.

Kwon Oh-joon, who started in the Kia match up in Gwangju, displayed his skills two days after Kwon Hyuk stepped on mound. In eight innings he allowed four hits and one lost point as he earned his first victory in the six years since his debut in 1999. Rookie Yoon Sung-Hwan from Busan Commercial High School and Dong-Eui University, is counting on his experience as a reliever and Kwon Oh-Won is considered to be a top prospect in the second division.

Coach Sun commented, “It’s most important to demonstrate confidence in the anonymous players. I instill confidence in them by saying that they did a great job. These players have to be active in order for Samsung to strengthen.”

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com