'Chasing Third Place' Doosan, What If This FA Signing Had Failed... Manager Praises: "Because of One Play in the First Inning, Kwak Bin Pitched Until the Sixth"

*This content was translated by AI.

Ahead of this season, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Doosan Bears had more than enough infield resources. Nevertheless, Doosan boldly signed another infielder, specifically a free agent (FA) from outside the team. As the season nears its end, evaluations are emerging that this FA investment has been highly successful. The central figure is Park Chan-ho (31), the infield commander of the Bears squad.

This season, Park Chan-ho has appeared in 100 out of Doosan's 101 games played so far, demonstrating ironclad stamina. His detailed statistics include a batting average of 0.281 (105 hits in 374 at-bats), 5 home runs, 20 doubles, 2 triples, 38 RBIs, 62 runs scored, 24 stolen bases (7 failed attempts), 41 walks, 63 strikeouts, an on-base percentage of 0.352, a slugging percentage of 0.385, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.737. His batting average with runners in scoring position is 0.258. As a pinch hitter, his batting average stands at 0.500.

Most importantly, Park Chan-ho's true value shines through in defense. Playing as part of the keystone combination with second baseman Park Jun-soon, who is in his 'second professional year,' he has solidly anchored the center infield line. Additionally, he leads third baseman Ahn Jae-seok, effectively serving as Doosan's infield commander — a role that cannot be overstated.

Doosan, as a team, has recently been on an upward trend. With 52 wins, 45 losses, and 4 ties this season, they currently hold sole fourth place in the league. In the four games leading up to the summer heat break, they recorded three wins and one tie. Especially during the three-game series against LG Twins, Park Chan-ho delivered several stable defensive plays at critical moments, earning enthusiastic applause from Doosan fans.

The manager does not hold back praise when speaking about Park Chan-ho. Doosan manager Kim Won-hyeong said, "This season, he has truly made the pitchers' shoulders feel much lighter," offering high praise. Manager Kim added, "(On July 26) When Kwak Bin started, there were many moments this year where he helped the pitchers — such as his excellent play on a well-hit ball by Kim Sung-yoon with no outs and a runner on first in the first inning, which led to a double play. Thanks to that defensive play, Kwak Bin was able to pitch until the sixth inning."

He continued, "In that regard, (Park) Chan-ho has truly shown defensive ability that allows pitchers to throw with ease," giving him a thumbs-up.

After last season ended, Doosan departed for a closing camp in Miyazaki, Japan. At the time, no fewer than eight infielders participated: Lee Yu-chan, Park Gye-beom (now with Samsung Lions), Park Jun-soon, Park Ji-hoon, Oh Myung-jin, Ahn Jae-seok, Im Jong-seong, and Park Sung-jae all sweated it out during the camp. Additionally, 'Veteran' Yang Seok-hwan and Kang Seung-ho, who did not participate in the camp, were also part of the infield roster.

When Doosan signed Park Chan-ho as an FA at that time, some expressed doubts. However, Doosan's stance was firm: securing a definite 'A-class' FA resource. They judged that signing Park Chan-ho would unconditionally strengthen the team's lineup. As the manager had anticipated, the acquisition of Park Chan-ho has turned out to be a brilliant move in hindsight.

The presence of Park Chan-ho does not mean the rest of the outfield resources have completely disappeared. Currently, Doosan fields a deep infield roster with players like Park Jun-soon and Ahn Jae-seok, as well as Kang Seung-ho, Park Ji-hoon, Oh Myung-jin, and Lee Yu-chan all receiving regular playing time. This has made Doosan's infield even more solid. Moreover, Park Chan-ho is 31 years old, Ahn Jae-seok is 24, and Park Jun-soon is just 20 — all relatively young. This is why Doosan fans can smile not only for this season but also look forward to the future. Now, with momentum in the second half, Doosan is even challenging for third place. How far will Doosan be able to climb in the remaining games of the season?

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*This content was translated by AI.