LG’s biggest concern before the season was second base. The team tried a lot of things to solve the second base problem, including trading for 200-hit hero Seo Gun-chang, but couldn’t find the right solution.온라인바카라
However, they no longer have to worry about second base. That’s because they found Shin Min-jae, 27.
Shin joined Doosan as a developmental player in 2015 and moved to LG in the second round of the 2018 winter draft. He didn’t become an official player until 2019. However, he played mostly as a pinch-hitter without a primary position. Without a position to play, Shin trained to defend every position in the infield and outfield. It was a way to survive.
One of the reasons he lasted until last year was because he has fast feet, running 100 metres in the 10s. However, he was not a good stealer: his most stolen bases were 10 in 2019. In order to be a good stealer, it’s not only important to have fast feet, but also to understand the pitcher’s pitching style and habits. Shin Min-jae lacked that, but this season he opened his eyes to stealing bases. He has been in and out of the line-up every year, but coach Yeom Kyung-yup ensured that he had a solid place in the line-up, and he hasn’t missed a day this season. “My coach has a lot of faith in me,” Shin said. Even if I get caught stealing, he never says anything. This has given me confidence, and I feel like I’ve recovered mentally,” he said with gratitude.
Shin Min-jae, who met coach Yoon Kyung-yeop, who advocates playing baseball in this way, grew unexpectedly as he played, and as of the 10th, he is leading the league in stolen bases with 21.
In April, after the opening day, he had only one at-bat and was solely in a running role. However, as Seo Gun-chang, the main second baseman, continued to struggle and Oh Ji-hwan’s unexpected injury forced Kim Min-sung to move to shortstop, Shin’s opportunity came.
After always being a runner, Shin was given more opportunities to hit and defend, and he began to showcase his batting talent. In 65 games this season, he is batting .333 (31-for-93) with seven home runs, 24 RBIs, 21 runs scored, and a .392 wRC+ of 131.9, giving the team’s offence a boost.He is also a player who has eaten soggy bread and is eager to play every at-bat in every game. Even if it’s an ordinary infield grounder, he always grits his teeth and sprint to the plate, showing his teammates that he can do it without giving up.
His quick feet, stolen bases, and operational skills have made him a strategic player for LG. Shin Min-jae has always been at the forefront of Yoon Kyung-yeop’s running and tactical baseball.
This season, he got the opportunity he needed most, and he took it. He opened his eyes to stealing bases and realised his batting talent, which had been hidden by his quick feet. Now he’s a strategic player, not a batting leadoff man. He’s been a hit for LG in the first half.