US media: “San Francisco, which left Lee Jung-hoo, has lost its identity”
The Athletic’s first half evaluation: “a team without identity”
An American sports media outlet harshly criticized the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB), which lost “Grandson of the Wind” Lee Jung-hoo, for losing its identity.
On the 17th (Korean time), The Athletic published an article summarizing San Francisco’s first half, calling it a “team without an identity.”
San Francisco signed Lee Jung-hoo, who signed a 6-year, 113 million dollar (approximately 156.08 billion won) contract, as well as Blake Snell, Matt Chapman, Jorge Soler, Jordan Hicks, and Robbie Ray, spending over 400 million dollars (approximately 552.52 billion won) before the opening of the 2024 season. However, it fell short of expectations, finishing the first half in 4th place in the National League (NL) West with only 47 wins and 50 losses (winning percentage of 0.485).
The media first pointed out that San Francisco is “not a pitching and defense team,” and mentioned that the starting pitchers were not performing well due to poor performance and injuries. They continued by saying that
“they are not a high-scoring team,” and “they are not a good team,” and that the defense, offense, and base running were all not working properly. They
also pointed out Lee Jung-hoo’s departure as an area where the team’s scoring ability was lacking.
“Lee Jung-hoo, who was the leadoff hitter and a KBO league star, was out for the season with a shoulder injury after just 37 games, which may have made it more difficult for the team to establish its offensive identity,” and “San Francisco was held back by opposing starting pitchers in too many games.” Lee Jung-hoo, who entered the MLB with high expectations, immediately became the team’s starting pitcher and center fielder. However, on May 13, he injured his shoulder while hitting the fence during a defense against the Cincinnati Reds, and underwent surgery to end the season. Before the injury, Lee Jung-hoo had a batting average of 0.262, 2 home runs, and 8 RBIs in 37 games. With Lee Jung-hoo, who had been chosen as the leadoff hitter before the opening, leaving, San Francisco’s season management plan has also been disrupted. San Francisco is 3 games behind the NL wild card 3rd place New York Mets (49 wins, 46 losses). The remaining second half of the season has become more important for advancing to the postseason. 안전놀이터
