By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Kim Byung-hyun has set his sights on recovering his pitch at the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC).
`` I allowed a home run to Kosuke Fukudome, who is now playing for the Chicago Cubs in the U.S. Major Leagues, in a semifinal match against Japan at the inaugural event,’’ said Kim, who showed up at a WBC news conference in Seoul Thursday after his long absence from giving media interviews
The 29-year-old submariner ― or sidearmer ― took to the mound in the seventh when both sides were tied scoreless in the game, but Kim allowed a two-run homer to pinch hitter Fukudome and gave up another run in a 6-0 loss.
``If I have another chance to walk to the mound in a situation like that, I will put a clamp on it. That’s why I have longed to join the national team.’’
Since he was cut by the Pittsburgh Pirates at spring camp last year, the former Arizona Diamondbacks closer has not pitched in action.
``As I have not thrown, I do not know how much I am ready for a game,’’ said Kim, who gained 86 saves with the Boston Red Sox and Arizona.
``With the WBC one month away, I will try my best. I plan to train in the United States.
``After discussing with manager Kim In-sik, I will decide whether I will join the national team training in Hawaii or have a private practice.’’
The player said he has focused on becoming more flexible and increasing his pitching balance.
Meanwhile, manager Kim has picked Kia Tigers first baseman Jang Sung-hon over Doosan Bears third baseman Kim Dong-joo, who is still looking to move to the Japanese league.