Yang Hyeon-jong (KIA Tigers) is preparing for the 2024 season in Okinawa, Japan, the site of KIA's second spring camp. He checked his physical condition by pitching a bullpen session on the 24th. 토토사이트넷
After finishing the training, Yang said to reporters, "My physical condition is not bad. I am not sick at all. I think I am preparing well for the opening of the season. I am doing well without any problems. I always feel like I am not good enough for all the pitching and games," adding, "I feel like I am not good enough for all the games." I think I am still not good enough for this season. Still, I am not paying attention as I am preparing well for the number of pitches and various aspects."
"Korean Monster" Ryu Hyun-jin (Hanwha Eagles) returned to the KBO League ahead of this season. As a result, "left-handed troika" Ryu Hyun-jin, Kim Kwang-hyun, and Yang Hyun-jong will meet again in the same league. If the showdown takes place, it will attract a lot of attention.
On his showdown with Ryu, Yang said, "I think the confrontation will be a lot of pressure. However, I liked that (Ryu) Hyun-jin looked so bright. I thought he would be able to play baseball more comfortably. Still, if we have a showdown, I will root for our team's batters," adding, "Just because Hyun-jin and I are going to have a showdown doesn't mean I have to beat Hyun-jin. I have to catch Hanwha batters to win, and batters have to catch Hyun-jin to win."
"The pressure and power are still amazing. I respect him very much. That's why I think it will be a fun game if we have a showdown. I think I will learn a lot from him."
Ryu and Yang have had showdowns once before. The showdown occurred 17 years ago at Mudeung Stadium in Gwangju. At the time, Ryu was the best pitcher to win both Rookie and MVP awards in the 2006 season, while Yang was a rookie in his first year. The result was a complete victory for Ryu. Ryu became the winning pitcher by allowing six hits (one homer) and one strikeout and two runs in eight innings. Yang became the losing pitcher by allowing two hits (one homer) and two strikeouts and three runs in the ⅓ innings.
"I think I wanted to win so much at the time. Hyunjin was already at his peak. I thought it was a difficult game because I was a substitute starter. This game was about how to win, but I think I was the only one who struggled. I was kicked out so fast. I still remember the game a lot because it was when I saw tears in my eyes," Yang said. "I felt desperate as well. I really wanted to win. I wanted to break all prejudice. It is a good memory. Time flies so fast."