During spring training, the Dodgers implement a live-fungo drill to help rookie Hyeseong Kim adapt to MLB pressures. Amidst chants from teammates, Kim must perform flawlessly, showcasing his skills. Uncertainty surrounds Kim's transition from Korea, particularly regarding his hitting abilities against higher velocities and his potential as a utility player. Questions linger about whether he can deliver more power and maintain defensive versatility across positions. The team's approach aims to prepare him for the high-stakes environment of major league baseball over weeks of training.
Whether it's rookie hazing, mettle testing, or both, the Dodgers usually force new infielder Hyeseong Kim to go last, with other infielders chanting, 'Let's go Dodgers!' as the grounder is hit in an attempt to rattle Kim.
We kind of make him work a little bit and get him used to feeling the pressure in those situations, trying to simulate two outs in the ninth inning, and he's gotta make a big play.
Will the left-handed-hitting Kim, a lean 5-foot-10, 176-pounder who was a .304 hitter in six-plus KBO seasons, be able to handle the higher velocity and nastier breaking balls?
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