Samsung's three foreigners are raising their sense of reality at Okinawa camp

The Samsung Lions are preparing for the 2024 season in Okinawa, Japan. Recently, the Lions are fully engaged in practice matches to maximize their sense of play.

Samsung, which is aiming for a rebound in the upcoming new season, has decided to replace all three foreign players in the stove league. Whether they will make a soft landing or not is a critical factor in Samsung's re-emergence. 안전놀이터

The Samsung Lions chose Conor Seabold (28) and Denny Reyes (28) as foreign pitchers. Both of them are right-handed pitchers. As foreign hitters, they have recruited David McKinnon (30), an infielder with right-handed pitchers. They are adapting smoothly at the Okinawa spring camp. They are constantly participating in practice games and maintaining good physical conditions to prepare for the exhibition games in March.

Samsung has not performed very well during the past two seasons (7th place in 2022 → 8th place in 2023), but it has hardly considered foreign players as much. David Buchanan (35), a pitcher who played four seasons exclusively for Samsung, had double-digit wins every season, playing the role of ace in every season. Albert Suarez (35), who joined the Samsung team for two years from the 2022 season, also suffered some injuries, but he did not reveal any major problems as a starting pitcher. His skills have been recognized. Jose Pirella (35), a foreign hitter, accompanied Samsung for three years, as he was evaluated to have changed the team's mood not only by his outstanding batting ability but also by doing his best in every moment. Nevertheless, Samsung gave up accompanying them for various reasons and decided to replace the entire lineup of foreign players.

Whether Connor, Reyes, and McKinnon will be able to center stage their team for the new season will likely determine Samsung's performance. Connor played his first game in a practice game against the Hanwha Eagles on Wednesday. Connor did not perform very well, but he showed off his ability to throw various breaking balls. The coaching staff gave a good evaluation, though he allowed three runs (two earned) in two innings. Reyes only allowed four runs (three earned) in one inning as the starting pitcher in a practice game against the Lotte Giants on Tuesday local time. The record is regrettable, but considering that it was his first game, it remains to be seen. McKinnon is also steadily building up his sense of play by holding practice games. The Samsung coaching staff expects that McKinnon, who will play second and first base at the same time, will serve as the key to infield stability. It is positive for now that McKinnon quickly melts into the team with his lively personality and shows good chemistry with his teammates.