Hyundai vs. Hanwha: Tactics vs. Heart

“We will employ many strategies. We even have surprise tactics,” says Hyundai Manager Kim Jae-pak.

“Even if our opponents use surprise tactics, we will push our way through,” says Hanwha Manager Kim In-sik.

The directors of Hanwha and Hyundai, the two teams that will meet in the first playoff game on October 13, met at the Baseball Hall in Seoul.

Coaching style equals team style?-

Manager Kim Jae-pak was reserved. When asked to make a statement for the fans, he absently repeated, “We will try our best in all our games.” When asked about game strategy, he curtly said, “I cannot disclose any information regarding strategy.”

Manager Kim In-sik, meanwhile, was relaxed. He did say that he was nervous, but he threw out jokes, saying, “I cannot believe we were tied nine wins and nine losses with such a great team as Hyundai.”

Hyundai, which placed second in the regular season, recorded 153 sacrifice hits – the most among the eight teams. This illustrates the playing style of Manager Kim Jae-pak, who uses tactics to bring in the most runs possible. Hanwha, which placed the regular season at third place, recorded 68 sacrifices – the least among the eight teams. Instead of using tactics, he trusted his players.

Players to keep an eye on-

Song Ji-man of Hyundai recorded a batting average of .286, three homeruns and nine RBIs against Hanwha. Lee Soong-yong also batted in an average of .269, one homerun, six RBIs, and seven runs. Among the Hyundai pitchers, Sohn Seung-rak had the best performance against Hanwha with three wins and an ERA of 2.54. Callaway, who is scheduled to start game one, recorded two wins and one loss, and an ERA of just 1.50.

Kim Tae-kyun was the best Hanwha hitter against Hyundai. He has a batting average of 0.277 and two homeruns. During the semi-playoffs, Lee Bum-ho recorded a batting average of 0.364 and three homeruns, while Goh Dong-jin recorded an average of 0.545. The game one starter Moon Dong-hwan is three wins and one loss with an ERA of 2.86. The pitching sensation Ryu Hyun-jin, who backs Moon Dong-hwan recorded only one win and two losses with an ERA of 4.58.

Is Hyundai superior statistically?-

SBS Commentator Park No-joon says, “The two teams won nine games and lost nine games each when paired together this season. But Hyundai hit well when the Hanwha ace pitcher stepped on the mound, while Hanwha fared poorly. Hyundai is slightly superior statistically speaking, but if Hanwha wins one game of the two scheduled in Suwon, they have a chance.”

Until last year, teams that won two games and lost one in the semi-playoffs all failed to advance to the Korean Series. This is not good news for Hanwha.

No one knows what will happen in baseball, though.

Manager Kim Jae-pak’s “strategic baseball” and Manager Kim In-sik’s “baseball with heart” will be put to a test. Game one will take place at 6:00 on Friday at Suwon Stadium.

why@donga.com