Lotte Giants pitcher Lee In-bok (32) did not open his eyes to baseball until he was 30 years old. He expressed a positive mind, saying, “I obviously saw the light later than other players, but it’s okay.”
Lee In-bok was the 4th starter for the Lotte Giants last year and recorded 9 wins and 9 losses with an ERA of 4.19. He, who had not won a start until 2021, the 8th year of his professional career, played a better-than-expected fight. Lee In-bok also said, “I think I played a good enough role in my position with that level of performance. I couldn’t reach the regular innings due to injury, but I pitched more than 100 innings (a total of 126 and 2/3 innings) that I set for the season before.” did.
Lee In-bok, a graduate of Yonsei University, was nominated by Lotte in the 20th overall in the 2nd round of the 2014 rookie draft and joined the team. He appeared in a total of 23 games through 2019, bringing his earned run average to 11.33, let alone win. His batting average was a whopping 0.408.
Lee In-bok played well in the bullpen in 2020 and took a snow stamp. In the second half of 2021, when coach Larry Sutton was holding the baton, he was appointed as a starting pitcher and received a passing grade. 메이저놀이터
The weapon that allowed Lee In-bok to make his name known is his two-seam fastball. He also throws a slider, curveball and splitter, with a two-seam percentage of 49.7%. Lee In-bok said, “The speed of the fastball (four-seam fastball) came up to the second half of 140km. However, the pitch compared to the speed was too low. Even the speed decreased little by little due to a shoulder injury.” did.
Lee In-bok himself had doubts about two-seaming. However, since 2020, he has completely abandoned four-seam and only uses a two-seam fastball. Lee In-bok laughed, saying, “I’m seeing the light after throwing two seams. I got a good result and became confident.” “I wish I had learned sooner.”
Concerns follow from the high dependence on two-seam. The batting average of left-handers is 0.346, much higher than that of right-handers (0.235). Lee In-bok’s two-seam batting average was 0.343. The type of pitch that recorded the highest batting average against left-handed batters was also two-seam (0.410). On the other hand, the right-handed hitter blocked the opponent with a batting average of 0.232.
Accordingly, the opposing team strategically places 7-8 left-handed hitters in the starting lineup against Lee In-bok. Lee In-bok also expressed it as “left-handed batting”.
Lee In-bok said, “We need to improve our image of being weak against left-handed hitters. It’s a homework that needs to be solved.” I wonder if I can lower the hit rate if I boldly throw it toward the body.”
After the 5th inning or when the batting order returned for the third time, Lee In-bok’s pitches and batting average increased. He explained, “In the end, it leads to physical fitness problems. You need to analyze more and pay attention to your control.”
Lee In-bok’s goal for 2023 is to digest a season in good health. It is a somewhat humble goal, but it is desperate for him who has blossomed belatedly. Lee In-bok said, “I’m late than other players, but I’m doing well now. I want to do my part.”