Will LG Twins giant Kim Beom-seok (19) be able to remain as a catcher?
LG coach Yeom Gyeong-yeop revealed 메이저놀이터 his thoughts on Kim Beom-seok’s position in an interview before the game with Kiwoom Heroes of the ‘2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League’ held at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 1st.
Kim Beom-seok, who was nominated in the 1st round (7th place) of the 2023 Rookie Draft, is a highly anticipated prospect from LG. He is still 0-for-4 in 2 appearances in the first team, but in the Futures League, he is doing well with a batting average of 2.9 and 9 (53 hits in 177), 6 homers, 29 RBIs, and an OPS of .831 in 52 games. In the Futures All-Star Game, he went 2-for-4 with 1 home run and 4 RBIs, winning MVP.
Kim Beom-seok has already been recognized to some extent in the batting field. The problem is defense. His original position is catcher, but he is unable to throw due to his shoulder injury. It is questionable whether he will be able to hold the catcher position for the long term.
Director Yeom Gyeong-yeop said, “Kim Beom-seok can’t be a catcher yet. Throwing is difficult because of his shoulder injury. He’s going to take a while,” he said. “I think he’ll have to make a decision after this season. He can’t just keep going like this, no matter what,” he pointed out.
Head coach Yeom Gyeong-yeop, who said, “You have to think about changing the position,” said, “I am trying to make a decision based on the opinions of the scout team, development team, and training part. If you are going to change it, it is better to change it sooner rather than later. He has to make a decision whether he goes first base, goes catcher, plays first base and then goes back to catcher,” he said.
Currently, Kim Bum-seok can only be used as a designated hitter in the first team. From the standpoint of LG, where key players have already established themselves in the infield and outfield and are using the designated hitter position to give key players a break, it is not easy to use Kim Bum-seok in the first team.
Coach Yeom Kyung-yeop pointed out, “If he doesn’t have a position, he can’t be used even if he is put in the first team,” and said, “To give him a chance, he has to create a position. He has to decide on a position so he can do finishing training and spring camp accordingly. Kim Beom-seok is also one of the batters who should be given a chance next year. He has to decide quickly,” he emphasized once again.
Kim Bum-seok is a promising player who needs to grow into LG’s next-generation giant. However, in order to give him a chance in the first team, he needs a position where he can play immediately. He is obviously regretful giving up the catcher position, but it may be good to try another position, such as first baseman, for a better chance. Attention is focusing on how Kim Bum-seok will eventually grow.
