National team

National Team ‌Coach Ryu Reveals Prior Knowledge of⁣ Edman‘s Injury, Shifts Focus to Versatile Song Seong-Moon

TOKYO, JAPAN – November 12, 2023 – Korean national baseball team manager Ryu Ji-hyun disclosed today that⁣ he was aware of Tommy edman’s ‍ankle surgery⁢ since September, a revelation that ⁣comes after recent reports surfaced regarding the infielder’s condition. The disclosure coincided wiht increased training for utility player Song Seong-moon at second base, signaling a potential shift in the team’s roster strategy ahead‍ of upcoming competitions.

Ryu revealed he ⁣learned ‍of Edman’s surgery during a meeting with the player in the United States prior to departing for Japan. “I knew about Edman’s ankle surgery last September,” Ryu ‍stated in ⁣an interview. “I’m only telling you now after the ‍reports came out. At that time, when I went to the ‌United States to meet Korean players, I also met⁤ Edman, and he told me about the surgery.”

according ⁣to Ryu, Edman was already experiencing critically important discomfort at the time.”At that time, Edman’s ankle was in a very bad condition. He said he had to endure it and go to the postseason and didn’t want the media to no about it. ‌He didn’t ⁤perform⁣ as well as he had hoped in the last competition, so he wanted to play​ this time. But he was also‌ very sad ⁢because he ‌wasn’t in good shape. He said he would definitely participate⁤ if ‌there was a chance next time.”

The revelation‌ regarding Edman’s injury explains the recent focus on Song Seong-moon’s versatility. The Kiwoom Heroes third baseman has been receiving dedicated training at second base during national team‌ practice, which began on November 2nd. Song Seong-moon enjoyed a stellar 2023 season, ​posting a .315 batting average (181 hits in 574 at-bats), 26 home runs, 90 RBIs, 103 runs, 25 stolen bases, ‍a .387 on-base percentage, a.530 ‌slugging percentage, ‌and a .917 OPS.

While the national team boasts several strong candidates ​at third base – including noh Si-hwan (Hanwha Eagles) with 32 home runs and 101 RBIs, ⁤Moon ⁤Bo-kyung (LG Twins)​ with 24 home runs, ⁣Kim Young-woong (Samsung Lions) with 22 home runs, and Han Dong-hee (Armed Forces Athletic Corps) with 27 home runs and ⁣115 RBIs – Song seong-moon’s ⁢defensive capabilities at second base and offensive potential⁣ make him a valuable asset.

Currently, Shin Min-jae (LG Twins) is the only confirmed professional second baseman on the roster. With Edman and Kim Hye-seong (LA Dodgers) facing uncertain participation, Song Seong-moon has emerged as a crucial option to bolster the team’s offensive lineup.

ryu also addressed the ongoing uncertainty surrounding​ the participation of other Korean major⁢ leaguers, stating, “I wish (major league players’ joining the national team) would be decided quickly,⁣ but the situation is not favorable. There are several ⁣candidates, but it⁢ is not ​yet time to make a decision. I⁤ think it will be announced to some extent in January.‍ We are preparing and will move according⁣ to the procedures.”

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