The San Francisco Giants want a new center fielder to replace Lee Jung-hoo. Market trends are saying this.
Agent Scott Boras met with local media at the Major League Winter Meeting in Orlando, Florida on the 10th (Korea Standard Time).
As was the case at every winter meeting, he made a flamboyant statement promoting his customers and stimulating the clubs’ desire to invest.
사진 확대 Cody Bellinger is one of the most popular outfielders in the transfer window. Photo = MK Sports DB
What was interesting was comments about FA outfielder Cody Bellinger. He revealed the teams that showed interest in him in a clever way without directly mentioning the team name.
“It’s not my decision,” he said, adding, “Great players see Red. If they don’t, they lose that hitter, which means there’s a slugger out of the lineup,” he said, turning around the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
“I’ve never met a team that avoids five-tool players (Dodges). What is needed to fill the center field is a giant step. That step will be toward the playoffs,” he said, referring to the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.
In addition, “Outfielders who will fly with power to the South and the North are rare birds in the offseason. “Among many start-up clubs, many Angels investors are looking for a very versatile outfielder,” he said, turning around the Chicago-based White Sox and Cubs, the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays featuring birds as mascots, and the Angels.
What is interesting is that the name of San Francisco was mentioned. In this regard, Susan Slusser, a reporter specializing in the San Francisco Chronicle Major League, said, “A big market has been formed for Bellinger, and the Giants have at least contacted him. “I think it could be the best outfield option for San Francisco, but not surprisingly, a lot of teams are on the same page,” he said.
사진 확대 Lee Jung-hoo showed regret in the center field defense last season. Photo = MK Sports DB
San Francisco, which started the season last season with left fielder Eliot Ramos, center fielder Lee Jung-hoo and right fielder Mike Yastremski, traded Yastremski during the season. Ramos and Lee Jung-hoo expressed regret in defense.
In particular, Lee Jung-hoo showed the league’s worst center field defense with DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) -18 and OAA (Out Above Average) -5. There was a good defense, but Oracle Park, a home stadium with a wide right-center and a strong sea breeze, is a difficult field to defend for all center fielders, and Lee Jung-hoo had a hard time adjusting to it.
San Francisco is eager to strengthen its defense in the outfield this offseason. It has recruited Justin Dean and Joey Wimmer and is also reportedly interested in Harrison Bader.
In addition, the agent revealed that he is also interested in Bellinger, the top FA.
Dean and Wimmer, who were recruited earlier, are not the main players, to be honest. If San Francisco recruits Vader or Bellinger, Lee Jung-hoo is likely to move to right field. According to Baseball Servant, Arm Strength, which represents the highest throwing speed, was 91.4 miles, a 91% league percentage. With good throwing ability, there is still a lot of possibility to show better performance in right field.
[KIM JAE HO, MK Sports Reporter]