"Ryu Hyun-jin is not just a pitcher who throws the ball" — Final Boss Oh Seung-hwan's awe, "Far superior to me," in a flood of praise

*This content was translated by AI.

There was no point of criticism in the analysis of Ryu Hyun-jin (39, Hanwha Eagles). Oh Seung-hwan (44), the best closer known as Han Guk-eul (CEO), heaped praise on another legend, Ryu Hyun-jin.

Oh Seung-hwan posted an analysis video on Ryu Hyun-jin on his YouTube channel 'Oh Seung-hwan FINAL BOSS' on the 12th.

From the opening, Oh Seung-hwan stated, "Ryu Hyun-jin is not just a pitcher who throws the ball," adding, "He is a player who designs matchups against batters like a game."

He continued, "Even when the game result is not good, one might think his stuff or condition was poor, but I believe it should be seen as a mistake in his pitching setup. He is a player with no such fluctuations."

Ryu Hyun-jin is Korea's best pitcher who needs no introduction. He was selected as the second overall pick in the second round of the 2006 draft and joined Hanwha, achieving the pitcher's triple crown in his rookie season and winning both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards simultaneously. He recorded 98 wins through 2012, establishing himself as the league's top pitcher.

He continued to achieve 78 wins and even led the league in ERA after advancing to Major League Baseball (MLB). Returning to Hanwha on an eight-year, 170 billion won contract ahead of the 2024 season, he has shown his consistent ability with 10 wins in his first season and nine wins last year.

This season, he has made six appearances with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses and an ERA of 3.25, while maintaining a batting average against of 0.231 and an on-base plus slugging (WHIP) of just 1.00 per inning. He has struck out 32 batters while allowing only five walks, dominating batters with aggressive pitching. With a win against the KIA Tigers on the 6th (6 innings, 1 run), he reached 120 career wins in the KBO and is just two wins away from 200 combined wins in Korea and the United States.

Regarding the sudden adoption of the sweeper at the beginning of this season, Oh Seung-hwan said, "It may not be as sharp as a pitch thrown as a primary weapon, but judging by the timing he uses it, he employs it well enough to confuse batters." He added, "Ryu Hyun-jin raises the value of his pitches through the game itself. Even if he weren't so outstanding, seeing him use them at the right time shows he plays the game very intelligently."

Oh Seung-hwan emphasized, "There is no one to compare Ryu Hyun-jin to. Watching him pitch this season, even though he is 40, he pitches as if today is his last game. Last year, he unfortunately made it to the Korean Series but couldn't deliver the results. Now, it is important for me to do well, but I also want to provide energy to the team. Young pitchers should watch closely. His physical condition is good, and they should follow his rigorous self-management."

He also pointed out that he is not the same as before. "It is true that his velocity is not as high as in the past. On some days it is relatively higher, and on others it is lower," he explained, "but he adapts to the situation, pitches differently, and actively uses his good pitches to navigate the game."

He also projected Ryu Hyun-jin's future. "There will certainly be a decline. However, I do not think it is here yet," he said. "The aging curve is ultimately judged by poor results, but Ryu Hyun-jin manages the game even if his stuff declines. I believe he has the ability to cover for 2-3 years even if the aging curve hits him."

Regarding the comparison with himself, he said, "Ryu Hyun-jin is far better. I only throw about 20 pitches in a game, searching for control within that range, while Ryu Hyun-jin throws 100 pitches. How incredible is that?"

Ryu Hyun-jin is scheduled to make his seventh start of the season in a game against Kiwoom Heroes at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 12th.

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*This content was translated by AI.