"Sufficient as a starting second baseman" — Lee Beom-ho manager's firm belief in 37-year-old Kim Sun-bin hinges on how his physical condition is managed 'How' will it unfold?

*This content was translated by AI.

Kia Tigers manager Lee Beom-ho (45) has expressed firm confidence in veteran infielder Kim Sun-bin (37).

Manager Lee Beom-ho is one of the legends of third basemen who entered the Hanwha Eagles as the eighth pick in the second round of the 2000 KBO Rookie Draft and spent 20 years in professional baseball until 2019. He played 101 games and 728 innings as a third baseman at age 37, completing a full-time season before retiring the following year.

As a manager who demonstrated consistent performance in both offense and defense during his playing career, questions arose about his thoughts on veteran second baseman Kim Sun-bin, who is struggling due to age and physical condition. Ahead of the the 4th game against the Gwangju Lotte Giants, Manager Lee Beom-ho first acknowledged the realistic situation: "If we ask (Kim) Sun-bin to cover all pitches that drift wide to either side, he won't be able to start. Sun-bin's defensive range is gradually narrowing compared to the past."

Nevertheless, he added firmly, "I believe that as young infielders grow, having a veteran player start at second base and lead the team is still sufficient. Despite being in a physically very demanding period, he has not once said he wants to sit out. I highly appreciate such a veteran's mindset."

It is becoming increasingly apparent that his response to ground balls and fast-moving balls sweeping to either side is slowing down. This is an unavoidable reality. However, Kim Sun-bin possesses experience that allows him to calmly lead the infield in any unexpected situation following Park Chan-ho (31, Doosan Bears) departure. Knowing this, Manager Lee Beom-ho is paying special attention to managing Kim Sun-bin's physical condition. This is also closely related to why he does not readily place Kim Sun-bin, who has excellent contact skills and tactical execution ability, in the second spot in the batting order.

The key lies in how to manage the physical condition of a veteran who can produce hits at any time. In fact, on the 4th against Gwangju Lotte, Kim Sun-bin started at second base and as the second hitter, contributing with one hit in four at-bats, including a double to left-center field, and scoring one run.

Manager Lee Beom-ho explained, "There is no problem at all with his inability to move sideways during the early stages of a game. When he becomes physically fatigued or in the later innings, we substitute him as a defensive replacement." He further emphasized, "I believe there are very few players in our country who can play in the infield at that age. We are doing our utmost to care for and operate with consideration so he can play the season while expending minimal effort."

The manager sought to resolve this issue through lineup adjustments and the call-up of infield prospect Yoon Do-hyun (23). Yoon Do-hyun is a utility player capable of playing all infield positions and is also recognized for his power-hitting ability. When Kim Sun-bin plays as a designated hitter, Yoon Do-hyun is categorized as a player who can handle nine innings in both offense and defense. The best scenario for Kia is for Kim Sun-bin to conserve his energy and maintain good hitting form throughout the season, while Yoon Do-hyun grows and steps up as a starter even with limited opportunities.

Manager Lee Beom-ho smiled, saying, "(Yoon) Do-hyun is also ready to be called up now. I watched the entire Futures League game from the first to the ninth inning on video yesterday (the 3rd). In the video, Do-hyun appeared to have good balance, and when he went to the field, he was smiling and playing happily. I could also see him concentrating at the plate."

He then revealed, "Right now, (Kim) Sun-bin is at a timing where he is becoming physically a bit tired, so we needed a player who could start. We plan to use Do-hyun when Sun-bin plays as a designated hitter or rests."

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*This content was translated by AI.