
“We’re ready to defend first and third base. Our shortstop defense is a little disappointing.”
A half-billion shortstops are going through a tough time for change.
Noh Jin-hyuk, 35, of the Lotte Giants, is facing his biggest crisis since his debut. He is batting just 1-for-8 with no home runs, two RBIs, and a .497 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage).
He’s already been sent to the second team twice since the start of the season. He’s more desperate than anyone for a chance to bounce back.
In his time with the NC Dinos, Noh played more at third base than shortstop, but rarely at first base. However, manager Kim Tae-hyung gave Noh Jin-hyuk a mission to prepare for first and third base defense in the second team.
On June 16, he was enrolled in the first team and immediately started at first base against the Suwon KT Wiz. 안전놀이터 추천 It was his first appearance at first base since June 6, 2021, against the Hanwha Eagles, and his first start at first base in 1074 days.
His defense at first base hasn’t been perfect yet.
Even when handling foul flies, he looked awkward against the foul territory fence, which is the opposite side of the field from his usual third base side. In the second inning, he made an error on a ground ball by Chun Sung-ho.
On the 18th, he started at third base against the Doosan Bears in Jamsil. On the 19th, he came in as a pinch-hitter in the top of the seventh inning and played shortstop. So far, he looks more comfortable at shortstop and third base than at first base.
However, Noh will have to compete for a starting spot despite being a free agent worth up to 5 billion won. Earning a spot on the first team is not easy.
The first base position was solidified in May with the hard-hitting Na Seung-yup. Na has been a favorite of manager Kim Tae-hyung since the original camp, and he’s been showing the promise of late.
At shortstop, Lee Hak-joo and Park Seung-wook are a step ahead. Noh Jin-hyeok is already facing criticism for his lack of range and quickness. If Noh wants to return to the shortstop position, he’ll have to show a dominant bat or improve his defense.
The competition at third base is also fierce.
He will have to overcome competition from Son Ho-young, who is returning from injury, and veteran Jung Hoon.
When Noh was originally signed, the expectations were for him to provide the strong leadership and 20-homer power that led the NC to its first championship. With Han Dong-hee having been expunged from the first team again, and Han set to enlist in the military in June, Lotte’s batting lineup will have to rely heavily on Noh or Yoo Kang-nam.
The good news is that he’s not hitting too badly. 카지노사이트 순위 He’s been making his presence felt in every game he’s played, including a double against Doosan.
Can Noh bring a smile to manager Kim Tae-hyung’s face? At 35 years old, the suspicion of an aging curve is inevitable. It’s up to him to prove himself.