Wyverns Braced for Asia Series

SK Wyverns southpaw Kim Kwang-hyun will boast his 150-kph fastball in the Asia Series, Which begins Thursday in Tokyo, Japan.

By Yoon Chul

Staff Reporter

The SK Wyverns, Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) champions for the last two years, went to Japan Tuesday in a bid to conquer the Konami Cup Asia Series.

Now entering its fourth year since creation, the competition draws the league champions from Korea, Japan, Taiwan and China from Nov. 13 to 16 this year.

The Wyverns, which won the Korean Series 4-1 over the Doosan Bears in October, will meet the Japan Series champion, the Seibu Lions, the Uni-President Lions of Taiwan league and the Tianjin Lions, from China.

After finishing as last year's runner-up, the Wyverns open their quest for glory at this year's competition against the Seibu Lions at Tokyo Dome Stadium Thursday.

The team appears to be in high spirits ahead of the opener.

Last year, the Wyverns recorded a 6-3 victory over then Japan Series Champions the Chunichi Dragons in the preliminary game. At that time, the rookie starter Kim Kwang-hyun allowed three hits and one run during 6 2/3 innings.

However, the Dragons went on to be crowned champions by beating the Wyverns 6-5 in the final. The 19-year-old Kim, who went to the mound as a reliever, allowed former LG Twins star Lee Byung-gyu to hit a decisive two-run homer.

The Wyverns, who made KBO history by registering a record 83 victories in a regular season, are in desperate need of the lefty ace Kim's aid.

Kim, who allowed only two runs and 12 strike outs during 13 1/3 innings in two matches at the Beijing Olympics, could be the key player if the Wyverns are to overcome the Lions, their biggest obstacle.

The Wyverns also need their other lefty pitchers - Lee Seung-ho, Jeong Woo-ram and Jeon Byung-doo - to be striking top form to exploit weaknesses among the Lions hitters.

Although manager Kim Sung-keun, who has inside knowledge of Japanese baseball from his time as a coach at Chiba Lotte Marines, has been involved in intense preparations to get his team ready, the Lions pose a significant threat, with a strong and fast group of players.

They stole the base 107 times and had 198 dingers last season, both records in Japan's Pacific League.

Table setter Yasuyuki Kataoka and Hiroyuki Nakajima have improved their speed and accuracy - particularly Kataoka who earned the title for most steals with 50 in the Pacific League.

Slugger Nakamura Takeya, who became the Pacific League No.1 for sending 46 balls over the fence, is again ready to hit homers.

The Lions also have an untouchable lefty pitcher in Takayuki Kishi.

Kishi, whose fastball went over 150 kph, pitched nine scoreless innings in the Japan Series Game 4 against the Yomiuri Giants, comfortably controlling the ball using curveball and slider.

``Even though Kishi is very young, his ball speed and control is perfect. He also has talent to control the tempo,'' the Wyverns manager Kim said.

The Wyverns analysis team, dubbed 'Microscope analysis', admitted that the Lions pitchers and batters are strong.

The only consolation to the Wyverns is Hiroyuki Nakajima - who went 8-for-25 with two homers and five RBIs in seven games in the Japan Series - may not play because of injury.

``As the Lions are our opponents we need to prepare for that team. Playing is totally different from watching outside,'' added a composed Kim.