‘900 million arm’,’monster rookie’. These are the titles that follow Kiwoom Heroes’ rookie pitcher Jang Jae-young.
Fans’ expectations for Jang Jae-young, who have not yet stepped on the KBO League mound, are enormous.
Jang Jae-young, the son of former coach Jang Jeong-seok, drew attention when he threw a fast ball over 150 km during Deoksu High School. Last year, when he was a senior in high school, he shot 157km on a speed gun.
Jang Jae-young’s skill captured even the major league scouts. However, Jang Jae-young chose to stay in Korea due to uncertainties in the US market due to the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19). As expected, Jang Jae-young was in the arms of Kiwoom, who had the 1st place in Seoul.
The down payment he received was 900 million won, which is the second place in history, less than 100 million won recorded by Ki-joo Han when he joined the KIA Tigers in 2006. The fact that Ki-joo Han, who has not been compared for more than 10 years, has been mentioned is a testament to the high expectations for Jae-young Jang.
Director Hong Won-ki, Kiwoom, was still cautious about how to use Jang Jae-young. In a phone call on the 22nd, coach Hong said, “If you make a decision now, it will be a burden to the players.”
Jang Jae-young is often compared to his one-year senior, Soo-Jun Sohn (KTWiz), who served with the youth national team. Sohn Joon, who appeared in the KBO League in the 2020 season, played as a full-time starter from the rookie season with full support from the coaching staff.
So, Joon Sohn’s position was decided early before the spring camp. Director Kang-cheol Lee said in January of last year, “So Hyeong-jun will unconditionally raise it to the fifth starter. Even if it’s not good, I won’t turn it into a bullpen.”
Manager Lee maintained his trust until the end, and as a result, Sohn Joon became the first rookie of KT with an average ERA of 13-6 and 3.86, and emerged as the next-generation ace to lead the KBO league and the national team.
So, Joon Sohn’s success can be a good example for Hong. Of course, there are other ways to start with a systemic starting class in the second team, or start with a bullpen pitcher weakened by Kim Sang-soo’s departure. No matter what course Hong chooses, Jae-young Jang should be raised as the next ace pitcher.
What is certain is that coach Hong will continue to struggle to dress the player with the best suits. It starts with the spring camp that starts on the 1st of next month.
Director Hong said, “(Jang Jae-young’s role) will be decided after making full use of the spring camp. I don’t want to decide what clothes to wear right now. I want to dress the player with the best clothes. I will cut it slowly.”