San Diego Padres Kim Ha-seong (28) successfully took his first step as a second baseman. Shortstop Xander Bogarts (31), who came to San Diego on a large-scale free agent contract, hugged Ha-sung Kim, delighted with his good fortune.
Kim Ha-seong, who was one of the three final candidates for the Gold Glove in the National League shortstop category last year, moved to second baseman this year. Last winter, Bogarts, a “giant shortstop” with 156 homers in his career, had to give up his spot as a shortstop while wearing a San Diego uniform with an 11-year, $280 million free agent contract.
There were trade rumors throughout the winter, but Kim Ha-seong is preparing for the new season with San Diego’s main power. During the San Diego spring training in Peoria, Arizona, USA, he is training as a second baseman and accelerating his adaptation. During training, the catch ball partner also increases breathing time with bogatz.
On the 25th (Korean time), which was the opening game of the exhibition game, Kim Ha-seong, who started as the 5th hitter and 2nd baseman against the Seattle Mariners, formed the first keystone combination in an official game with Bogatz, who started as the 1st hitter and shortstop. He played up to the 4th inning side by side and was substituted before the defense in the 5th inning, but there was no situation to make a keystone play from 2nd base. 스포츠토토
However, an impressive scene came out in the second inning defense. When Seattle Mike Ford hit a double in the middle right from 2nd out and 1st base, Ha-seong Kim ran to the middle right and entered the cutoff play. As soon as the ball was handed over from center fielder Jose Ajoca, Kim Ha-seong made a one-bound accurate ‘throwing the bullet’ to home and caught first base runner JP Crawford.
The moment the innings ended with Hosobi, who prevented a run. Shortstop Bogatz smiled and embraced Kim Ha-seong, rejoicing. A scene where you can get a glimpse of the trust in partner Kim Ha-seong, who will match the new keystone combination. Ha-seong Kim, who played 21 games (20 starts, 148 innings) as a second baseman in 2021, but successfully finished his debut as his main second baseman.
After the game, Kim Ha-seong said, “Because it was a two-out, I thought the runner on first base would go home, so I went into relay play. The ball went well (home) and was able to get the runner out,” he said. “The second base defense must also play backup and move more than the shortstop. He has to play doubles often, so he pays most attention to pivot plays.”
Next, Kim Ha-seong said, “Bogatz is a very good player, so it is comfortable to breathe. Each of them has their own set of plays, and if they prepare accordingly, I think they will be fine during the season.” In an interview with the local media the day before, Kim Ha-seong also said about Bogatz, “I can understand why he is receiving such a large amount of money when I see him preparing for the game. I have a lot to learn, and I am grateful for being a teammate.”