«KIA·Samsung legend» Im Chang-yong’s playoff outlook: “Tight race, slight Tigers edge → but my heart is neutral”

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Former professional baseball player Im Chang-yong (50), who donned the uniforms of both the KIA Tigers and the Samsung Lions and dominated an era, analyzed the direction of the playoff series ahead of the autumn baseball showdown between his former teams. His pick was a slight advantage for the KIA Tigers, who have secured ample rest and reorganized their starting rotation.

On the 22nd, in the video “Im Chang-yong’s Final Prediction for the KIA vs. Samsung Playoff Matchup,” released on his YouTube channel “Changyong Bulpae – Im Chang-yong” (Changyong Invincible – Im Chang-yong), Im Chang-yong analyzed the strengths of KIA and Samsung, who will face off in the 2026 KBO postseason playoffs (best-of-five series), from multiple angles.

Im Chang-yong, who knows both teams better than anyone, stated that “the overall strength of both teams is fundamentally similar,” while pointing to “rest period” and “starting pitcher management” as key factors that will determine the outcome of the series.

He explained: “The fact that KIA ended the junior playoffs early in just three games is a huge positive factor. If they had played through Game 5, it would have been physically demanding, but by finishing in three games, they got four days of rest. They can restart their normal rotation from the number one starter, and their complete-game pitching staff is fully intact, so KIA has more than enough to seize control.”

Regarding the predicted series score, he said, “I predict a 3-1 victory for KIA,” while adding, “If it flows as a close contest, whichever team wins will lead to a tight battle going all the way to 3-2.”

Im Chang-yong also emphasized the importance of gaining early momentum in a short series. He noted: “The first game is the most important. Both teams will approach Game 1 with the mindset that they must win it no matter what,” and added, “It is highly likely that both teams will deploy their full strength in a matchup between their number one ace pitchers.”

Given that two former teams where he reached the peak of his professional career are clashing, the tricky question of “which team do you support?” was not left out. Having also played on the US and Japanese stages, it is quite coincidental that in Liga KBO he only wore the uniforms of the Tigers and the Lions.

In response, Im Chang-yong laughed and said, “Actually, my stance is thoroughly neutral.” He continued: “KIA is my hometown team (Gwangju) where I was born and raised, as well as the team where I took my first professional steps and ended my career. At Samsung, I spent the longest time and built countless memories. I like both teams, but since my hometown is Gwangju, there is a part of me that leans slightly more toward KIA.”

Meanwhile, Im Chang-yong began his professional baseball career in 1995 and retired at the end of the 2018 season. He also served as a national team player and was named to the “Legend 40” list selected by KBO to mark its 40th anniversary.

Im Chang-yong, who recorded an impressive career record in KBO with 760 appearances, 130 wins, 86 losses, 19 holds, 258 saves, and a 3.45 ERA (average of clean runs allowed), also left a solid mark in Japanese professional baseball (NPB). From the 2008 season to the 2012 season, he made 238 appearances over five seasons with 11 wins, 13 losses, 128 saves, and a 2.09 ERA (average of clean runs allowed). In the 2013 season, as a member of the Chicago Cubs in US Major League Baseball (MLB), he made six appearances without a win or loss, marking a 5.40 ERA (average of clean runs allowed).

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Este contenido ha sido traducido por IA.Ver original