*This content was translated by AI.
The impact of acquiring new players has been significant. Coincidentally, two veteran pitchers acquired from Hanwha Eagles are exceeding expectations. Wearing KIA Tigers uniforms and even taking on the role of mental coaches, these two are 'veteran pitchers' Lee Taeyang (36) and Kim Bum-soo (31).
KIA, riding a wave of eight consecutive victories, has its core on the mound and in the bullpen.
KIA manager Lee Beom-ho, ahead of the the 17th game against the Jamsil Doosan Bears, stated: "In terms of pitchers, both Kim Bum-soo and Lee Taeyang have a personality that is the opposite of existing players like Sung Young-tak, Jeon Sang-hyun, and Jung Hae-young. Both are the type of players who tend to lift the mood. They are both cheerful and have a tendency to create a positive atmosphere even when things aren't going well."
He continued: "The existing players were somewhat cautious, and it seems their personalities are blending well with those of the new arrivals. This could be the driving force that gradually boosts the bullpen's energy. While they are certainly performing well due to their abilities, they also possess the power to brighten the overall atmosphere of the pitching staff. As a result, the bullpen players seem to be exerting more effort."
In reality, Lee Taeyang and Kim Bum-soo lead their younger teammates with a fighting style. Manager Lee explained that this personality harmonizes with the younger pitchers who have previously played for KIA, creating a synergy effect. Essentially, the two newly acquired players are even fulfilling a role akin to mental coaches for the KIA pitching staff.
Kim Bum-soo joined Hanwha after being selected first in the 2015 draft and remained with the team until last season. Over 11 seasons, he appeared in 481 games, recording 27 wins, 47 losses, 5 saves, 72 holds, 484 strikeouts, and an earned run average (ERA) of 5.18. Upon the season's conclusion, he exercised his first-ever free agent (FA) rights. Ultimately, leaving the familiar Daejeon, he signed with KIA for a three-year contract totaling 2 billion won (500 million won signing bonus, 1.2 billion won annual salary, and 300 million won in incentives) and headed to Gwangju.
Lee Taeyang, who seemed destined to remain a franchise star for Hanwha, moved to KIA through the second draft held in November last year. He was selected third overall in the first round by KIA and switched teams.
Both players are fulfilling their roles both on and off the field. Kim Bum-soo has appeared in 10 games this season, recording 1 save, 4 holds, and an ERA of 2.84. After allowing 3 runs (2 earned) in the season opener against SSG on the 28th, he has gone 9 consecutive scoreless games. In yesterday's (the 17th) game, he entered in relief in the bottom of the ninth inning with a 4-run lead, pitching one inning with 2 hits allowed, 1 strikeout, and no runs, securing the team's victory.
Lee Taeyang has appeared in 7 games this season, recording 1 win, no losses, 2 holds, and an ERA of 0.90. Over a total of 10 innings, he has allowed 6 hits, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts, with 1 run (1 earned), achieving an impressive on-base plus slugging (WHIP) of 0.80 and a batting average against of 0.176. KIA is currently without its former reliable relievers Jeon Sang-hyun and Jung Hae-young due to recent injuries and poor performance. However, the void left by them is hardly noticeable, as the veteran duo acquired from Hanwha is performing exceptionally well.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
