Doosan Bears left-hander Choi Seung-yong (22) did not hide his desire to enter the starting rotation for the 2023 season. It is a determination to break through the competition during the spring camp and leave a mark on the new head coach Lee Seung-yeop (47).
After completing training at Blacktown International Sports Town in Sydney, Australia on the morning of the 9th, Choi Seung-yong 메이저놀이터said, “Pitching coach Jung Jae-hoon systematically planned the schedule, including the number of pitches, so I’m following it.” I am preparing by throwing a lot of balls.”
Choi Seung-yong recorded an average ERA of 5.30 with 3 wins, 7 losses and 5 holds in 93⅓ innings in 48 games (15 starts) last year, his second year as a pro. It is not outstanding, but due to the circumstances of the team, where two foreign pitchers left due to injuries, they did their part by going back and forth between starting and bullpen.
However, he was clear about what needs to be improved. In preparation for the 2022 season, his pitches dropped significantly when he exceeded 60 pitches in each start because he had not sufficiently increased his pitch count.
But this season is different. Head coach Lee Seung-yeop picked Choi Seung-yong as a candidate for the 5th starter early on, and he is preparing for the actual game under the intensive management of the coaching staff. Choi Seung-yong also tried to develop the strength to endure on the mound while greatly increasing his weight.
Choi Seung-yong said, “I weighed 87-88kg last season, but now I have increased it to 92kg. I think it will have a positive effect.” I eat a lot,” he said.
In addition, he said, “I feel that my body has gained strength. The coaches have definitely said that my body has grown, so I am feeling the change.”
Director Lee Seung-yeop is also trying to motivate Choi Seung-yong. I hope that Choi Seung-yong will take his place as a starting pitcher not only for this season but also for the future of Doosan.
While Doosan has confirmed four starters, including Raul Alcantara, Dylan Pyle, Choi Won-joon, and Kwak Bin, a composition is formed in which Choi Seung-yong and Park Shin-ji compete for the remaining spot. Choi Seung-yong also has no desire to miss the chance to start in the fifth round. Team senior Choi Won-joon joked that Choi Seung-yong “has great ambitions as a starting pitcher.”
Choi Seung-yong explained, “The manager asked me if every pitcher’s dream is to become a starting pitcher, and he told me that this kind of opportunity doesn’t come easily.” .
He continued, “I think that (Park) Shin Ji-hyung will be the biggest 5th starting competitor. He has a lot of starting experience, and last year I threw the most as an alternative starter.” It’s a part that can be grasped. (Choi) Won-joon, like hyung said, has a lot of ambition (to be a starting pitcher),” he added.