NC`s winter is quiet this year. The external FA market has yet to step in and internal resources are not cracked down yet. With the appointment of new coach Lee Ho-joon, the team aims to rebound next season, but it is not easy to strengthen its capabilities.
After all, they are foreigners. NC has always been one of the best foreigners since its foundation. Last year's Eric Peddy and this year's Kyle Hart also hit the jackpot. Hit batter Matt Davidson also topped the list with 46 home runs this year.
The new coach is also highly anticipating NC`s scouting capabilities. In his inaugural address, he said, "It would be better to feed younger players beef with the money to invest in FA." However, Hart and Davidson strongly requested the renewal of their contracts. It is the inauguration present that coach Lee wants.
The NC Dinosaurs informed Hart and Davidson of their intention to renew their contracts early on. They have maintained their relationship through cable and e-mail. The key is Heart. During 157 innings, he became the KBO's best pitcher this year with an ERA of 2.69, and 13 wins and 3 losses. He garnered 182 strikeouts, the most in the league. Several U.S. and Japanese teams have been keeping an eye on him since the middle of the season. Peddy, who NC back-exported, played in the Major League this season, and Albert Suarez and Ben Lively also performed better than expected. The demand for KBO-born players is steadily increasing in the MLB as well.
One variable is poor performance at the last minute. Hearts, who had been consistent throughout the season, allowed nine runs in nine innings in the last two games. After allowing three runs in three innings at the game against KT on Sept. 10, he was replaced due to dizziness. He took two weeks off and started his last game of the season against SSG on Sept. 25, but ended up allowing six runs in six innings. He garnered two three-run homers alone. If MLB scouts consider Hart's poor performance at the last minute as a matter of physical stamina, the conditions for suggestion may change.
Hearts renewing contract is expected to be a long-term game. Like most foreign players, Hearts also expects to return to the MLB. They have to look into the U.S. FA market and wait for proposals that satisfy their needs. NC also does not expect to be able to share much consensus with Hearts right away. 메이저놀이터
Hearts' first goal is to renew the contract, and it would be even better if a new foreign pitcher is properly hired to support them. The first starter was the best in the league last year as well as this year, but the second starter fell short of expectations. The team released Taylor Widener last year and Daniel Castano this year during the season. NC has already informed Eric Jokish, its former coach who replaced Castano, that he cannot renew the contract with.