Hwang Jae-gyun of the KT Wiz, heart, arrives at Incheon Worldwide Airport, west of Seoul, on March 6, after finishing spring coaching in Japan. Yonhap
Since 2009, his third skilled season, Hwang Jae-gyun has been a 3rd baseman, manning the recent nook for 3 totally different golf equipment within the Korea Baseball Group (KBO) whereas making cameos at first base and shortstop. He additionally had a cup of espresso as third baseman for the San Francisco Giants.
At age 37 enjoying for the KT Wiz, Hwang is about to endure a mid-career change. The Wiz signed an All-Star third baseman Heo Kyoung-min in free company in November, and Heo, a extra achieved defender than Hwang and three years youthful, would be the Wiz’s new main third baseman. The Wiz plan to show Hwang right into a utility man and ask him to play second base, shortstop and even an outfield place.
As a result of he needed to take reps at a number of positions, Hwang mentioned this yr’s spring coaching was totally different than earlier camps. And he claimed Thursday he had no points in any way with being moved across the diamond.
„I believe I had a fairly satisfying camp, although it wasn’t simple,“ Hwang informed reporters at Incheon Worldwide Airport, west of Seoul, after arriving again from coaching camp in Japan. „As knowledgeable athlete, I’m imagined to do the most effective I can beneath the circumstances to organize for a brand new season.“
Hwang added he embraced the utility function as a result of „I needed to discover a strategy to survive“ within the KBO.
„I’ve braced myself for that change, and on the similar time, I did not wish to really feel stagnant,“ Hwang mentioned. „I’m assured I can win the competitors for taking part in time, and hopefully, that may translate to good numbers.“
Hwang mentioned he did not discover both second base or shortstop overly difficult. Enjoying within the outfield, nevertheless, was a distinct animal.
„I might make catches within the outfield simply effective, however after I threw, the ball did not journey so far as I believed it might,“ Hwang mentioned. „I requested my outfield teammates they usually informed me to make use of my legs extra. I’m used to creating throws by flicking my wrist within the infield, however now I’ve to pay extra consideration to my legs after I play catch.“
Final yr, Hwang was formally listed as 96 kilograms. He mentioned he has shed 12kg in order that he might be nimble sufficient to deal with a number of positions.
„I attempted to reshape my physique in order that I might play no matter place I’m requested,“ he mentioned. „On the similar time, I have been doing a ton of weight coaching. I do not suppose my weight reduction will have an effect on my energy on the plate a lot.“
Hwang mentioned he would not have any statistical purpose for himself in 2025.
„I simply need to have the ability to play day-after-day,“ he mentioned. „If I can keep wholesome and learn to play a number of positions, I will fill no matter gap there’s on the sector day-after-day.“ (Yonhap)
