San Diego Padres coach Craig Stammen highly appreciated Song’s defensive diversity.
Stammen attended a press conference for joining Song Sung-moon via video interview on the 24th (Korea Standard Time) and shared his thoughts on the new Korean infielder joining the team.
“Players who can play various positions are very valuable in the big leagues,” he said, stressing the value of utility players.
사진 확대 San Diego manager Craig Stammen highly appreciated Song’s defensive diversity. Photo = MK Sports DB
“If you look at the teams that went up to the World Series, you can see the players moving in various positions. Even if you look at the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won the last World Series, you can see that Kiké Hernández, Miguel Rojas, and Tommy Edman have moved from various positions,” he said, citing the example of the Dodgers, a competitor in the same district.
Regarding Song Sung-moon’s utilization plan, he replied, “He can defend third base and second base, and maybe play first base and outfield.” “Also, when our main players need a break, they will be able to show their Major League-class defense at third base very easily. If Manny Machado plays as a designated hitter, he will have two productive hitters in the lineup,” he added.
Song Sung-moon played first base, second base and third base in the KBO League. The outfield hasn’t played a game.
When asked if Song Sung-moon’s use of the outfield was really possible, Stammen said, “I think Song Sung-moon will feel more comfortable in the infield,” but added, “We discussed this issue in an interview with the player earlier. As we got to know each other, we talked about what he could be good at. However, I think there is a clear possibility,” he said, leaving the possibility open.
사진 확대 San Diego manager Craig Stammen spoke about how to use Song Seong-moon. Photo = Capture the interview video.
“It’s a problem we’re going to deal with during the spring camp. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t work, but I think efforts to add diversity are worth trying. Because I can help my team with the goals they want to achieve. It’s what we’re trying to do to make sure he’s in our batting lineup in any way. If he can be productive for the team, I think he’s bound to find a position for him and there will be several positions that are right for him. He continued, “He’s a very athletic player.”
When San Diego recruited Kim Ha-sung in 2021, it also experimented with the possibility of using him in the outfield in spring camp. The experiment ended in one game at the time, but seeing another possibility in Song Sung-moon.
It is also good for Song Seong-moon to have one more position to digest. This is because there are more opportunities. Attention is focusing on the results of how the Padres and Song Sung-moon will solve the problem in next year’s spring camp.
[KIM JAE HO, MK Sports Reporter]