The LG Twins, which endured well in the first half of the year, are unusual. The winning rate in July is 0.300 (3 wins and 7 losses), the lowest among 10 clubs. Above all, it is too bad that the starting lineup, which is virtually devastated, is not suitable for the team that is challenging for the presidency. In the end, there is no other way to reinforce power during the season. 토토 It is a situation that cannot help but think of a trade conducted while promoting a “win-win” with other clubs.
The LG Twins suffered a 3-4 walk-off defeat after a bloody fight in the 12th inning of extra time against the KT Wiz in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at KT Wiz Park in Suwon on the 26th. LG, which lost that day, once again fell into a five-game losing streak without exceeding nine. LG, which recorded 49 wins, 2 draws and 33 losses, maintained its No. 1 position in the league. However, they will be chased by the second-place SSG Landers, who beat Samsung 8-7 on the same day, by 0.5 games. The gap with third-place Doosan is 4.5 games, and the gap with fourth-place NC is 6.5 games. It can be said to be a ride that can never be relieved.
LG’s goal this season is to win the championship. Many baseball players see the right time for LG to win this season. For now, the team’s batters boast such solid firepower that there is nowhere to avoid. The problem is also the starting lineup. In fact, there were only two players who played their roles in the first half, including Adam Plutko and Lim Chan-kyu. Plutko played 11 wins, 2 losses, ERA 2.33 this season, and Lim Chan-kyu played 6 wins, 2 losses, 1 hold ERA 3.35, respectively.
On the other hand, Casey Kelly, the first starter, failed to show his ability to be the first starter with 6 wins, 6 losses, and ERA 4.65. On top of that, none of the 4th and 5th starters could take turns throughout the first half. Initially, LG was scheduled to take the third starting position and Lee Min-ho was scheduled to take the fourth starting position before the season. However, neither of them found their true selves and left the battlefield. First of all, Kim Yun-sik is expected to return in mid-August.
There are many ways to reinforce the starting lineup, but first of all, there is a way to convert the existing bullpen resources to the starting lineup. LG has already implemented the plan. It is the assignment of Lee Jung-yong to the fourth starting position. Lee Jung-yong marked one loss and ERA 6.75 without a win in three starts. LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said, “If you want a lot from Lee Jung-yong, it’s greed,” adding, “It’s okay to pitch less than three earned runs in five innings.” The burden has been relieved that much. Lee Jung-yong will start against Suwon KT on the 27th.
Teams that have been on the rise recently have something in common. That is, the starting lineup is solid. Doosan, which recently won 11 consecutive games and lost to Lotte the previous day (26th), has Alcantara (10 wins, 3 losses, ERA 2.00) and Brandon (3 wins, 1 loss, ERA 0.87) holding out with the top foreign one-two punches. On top of that, Kwak Bin (8 wins, 3 losses, ERA 2.44) is the third starter who is not envious of the first and second starters. Choi Won-joon (2 wins, 7 losses, ERA 5.08) and Kim Dong-joo (2 wins, 4 losses, ERA 3.11) are also doing their part. Doosan is the overwhelming No. 1 player with a winning rate of 0.917 (11 wins and 1 loss) in July. LG will play a rival match in Jamsil against Doosan this weekend.
KT also has a strong starting lineup. So Hyung-joon left early in the season due to elbow surgery, but Benjamin (10 wins, 3 losses, ERA 3.83), Cuevas (3 wins, 3 losses, ERA 3.47), Ko Young-pyo (8 wins, 5 losses, ERA 2.68), Um Sang-baek (3 wins, 6 losses, ERA 3.71) and Bae Je-sung (3 wins, 6 losses, ERA 4.32) are stably turning the starting rotation. Since June, KT has been running at the top of the team’s winning rate (0.658) (2nd place is Doosan 0.583)
Another way to reinforce the starting lineup is to trade. Of course, the trade must match the other team’s card. LG boasts a thicker player base than any other club. The Futures team also has a lot of potential players. In particular, the second draft will be revived for the first time in four years after the end of this season. Already, the industry predicts that LG will receive the most nominations in the second draft. An official from a club said, “As the number of protected players is reduced from 40 to 35, LG’s head will be the most painful among the 10 clubs.
There are so many young and good players, he said. “Even if you tie it as well as possible, you will not be able to avoid a power leak.” If the leak cannot be avoided during the second draft anyway, it may be desirable to recruit resources for “Win Now” through trade. This year’s pennant race is important right now, but LG also has to think about the short-term postseason. What tricks will LG find to strengthen its starting lineup.