“Military service was not considered.”
The Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA) Performance Enhancement Committee and the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) Strength and Conditioning Committee on Wednesday named Kim Sung-yoon (24-Samsung Lions) and Kim Young-gyu (23-NC) to the 24-man baseball team for the Hangzhou Asian Games in place of rehabbing outfielder Lee Jung-hoo (25-Keum Heroes) and left-handed pitcher Koo Chang-mo (26-NC Dinos).
Lee Jung-hoo, who is rehabilitating from ankle surgery, was unable to participate in the Asian Games. Koo Chang-mo, who suffered an elbow injury, tried until the last minute to make the flight to Hangzhou, but with only a 145km velocity, it was hard to tell if he was fully fit. In the end, the Asian Games gold medal favorites opted for the in-form Kim Sung-yoon and Kim Young-gyu instead of Lee Jung-hoo and Koo Chang-mo.
The selection of Kim Sung-yoon and Kim Young-gyu sparked controversy among fans. They have military exemptions for winning gold medals at the Asian Games, raising the question, “Isn’t there a rule in the national team selection process not to select more than three players per team? Kim completed his military service in the Navy. Samsung had already selected pitcher Won Tae-in and infielder Kim Ji-chan, but fans questioned the selection of Kim Sung-yoon, who had completed his military service. NC is also missing infielders Kim Joo-won and Kim Young-gyu, but catcher Kim Hyung-joon has completed his military service with Sangsung.
In response, the KBO said, “There was never a principle of not selecting three players per team without military service,” adding, “For this Asian Games, the selection was made without considering military service at all. With the exception of wild cards, the national teams were selected based on the principles of age, seniority (25 years or younger or in their fourth year), and a maximum of three players per team (including wild cards),” emphasizing that military service was not considered in the player selection process.
Kim Sung-yoon and Kim Young-gyu have been at the peak of their game to earn a spot on the Asian Games squad. Kim has become a mainstay in Samsung’s lineup this year, hitting .314 with two home runs and 27 RBIs in 96 games this season. In addition to his hitting ability, he also has quick feet. He has 18 stolen bases and has a knack for getting on base.
Kim Young-gyu is also a key part of the NC bullpen. He has pitched 55⅔ innings in 59 games with a 2-4 record and a 3.34 ERA with 21 holds. He may not be a starter like Koo Chang-mo, but he’s been strong against lefties and righties alike.메이저사이트
Meanwhile, the national team has left the door open for additional substitutions. “In addition to replacing the two starters, if any of the other representative players are deemed to have suffered a decline in performance due to injury, we will closely examine their physical condition and make additional substitutions,” the KBO said.
The team will begin its first training session at the Gocheok Sky Dome on Nov. 23 before departing for Hangzhou on Nov. 28 via Incheon International Airport.