“There’s nowhere to go but up”
Hanwha Eagles manager Choi Won-ho called for more from foreign-born Nick Williams in an interview before the team’s game against the Kiwoom Heroes in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on 25 May.
Williams, who came to Hanwha as a replacement for Brian O’Grady, has struggled in 12 games with a 1-for-7 record (9-for-51), one home run, four RBIs and a .486 OPS. His batting order has also gradually slipped, batting seventh in recent games and eighth in tonight’s contest.
“There’s nowhere to go but down,” warned Choi Won-ho. “Today, with Kim Tae-yeon batting sixth and Jung Eun-won batting second, Williams was pushed out and batted eighth. If she does well, she will move up in the batting order,” Choi said, stressing the importance of Williams’ performance.
“We think he’s copying Juan Soto’s (San Diego) batting form,” Choi said of Williams’ struggles, “and he’s kind of spinning in place a little bit. Actually, it doesn’t matter if you copy Soto or anyone else and hit well. But as I turn back, my timing is slowing down, so I keep talking about that with my hitting coach.”토스카지노
Han Seung-hyuk, the starting pitcher, is expected to throw around 70 to 80 pitches. Choi Won-ho said, “It’s important for Han Seung-hyuk to throw well first. When he’s throwing well, we’ll check his delivery and pitches and decide if he needs to go further or change. Of course, Han Seung-hyuk will go out on Sunday. If he pitches well, he’ll keep getting chances, and if he doesn’t, other players will get chances.”
Jang Min-jae, whose start was pushed back after the game on the 23rd was cancelled due to rain, will wait in the bullpen today. Choi Won-ho said, “Jang Min-jae may or may not go out today. His next start is against Incheon SSG. Jang Min-jae is weak in raising, but I don’t plan to force him to pitch,” Choi said.