KBO clubs taking small ball approach
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LG Twins’ Jeong Ju-hyeon, right, slides into second for a stolen base under NC Dinos’ shortstop Son Si-heon in the top of the third inning during their spring exhibition league match at Masan Baseball Stadium in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Thursday. / Yonhap
By Baek Byung-yeul
With two weeks left before the new baseball season begins, 10 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) clubs have been playing their spring exhibition games for a week.
One notable thing to watch in the spring exhibitions this year is the increased numbers of stolen bases. Among the 25 games played thus far, there have been 63 stolen bases as of Sunday. Including the 38 runners caught trying to steal, there have been an average of 4.04 stolen-base attempts per game, which is the highest average since the 2002 season.
The Seoul-based LG Twins led the league in stolen bases -- 11 in five games. The Twins, which placed ninth in the league last year, was also tops in being caught stealing bases with seven.
Though the spring exhibition league records are not counted toward the regular season, the increased numbers of stolen bases are notable as teams seem to be focusing on small details, in which they can score runs by aggressive base running, sacrifice bunts and stolen bases rather than concentrating on hitting more long balls.
The KBO clubs will continue their spring exhibitions from Tuesday after taking a day off Monday. The Hanwha Eagles will host the Twins in Daejeon; the Kia Tigers will host the NC Dinos in Gwangju; the Lotte Giants will play against the Doosan Bears in Busan; the SK Wyverns will play against the Nexen Heroes in Incheon; and the KT Wiz will host the Lions in Suwon. The games will begin at 1 p.m. Tickets for the spring exhibition games are free on weekdays. On the weekends, tickets sell at 30 to 50 percent discounted from regular season prices.
New stadiums to debut
Two of the biggest differences this year are the debut of two new stadiums.
The Daegu-based Lions will host teams in their new stadium at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.
Leaving the 67-year-old Daegu Baseball Stadium that is capable of only holding some 10,000 spectators, the Lions now can accommodate 24,000 fans at their new stadium. After having their opening ceremony Saturday, the Lions will have their first exhibition game there against the LG Twins on March 22.
As well, there has been much attention to the new home of the Seoul-based Heroes.
Situated in Guro-gu, western Seoul, the Gocheok Sky Dome is the country’s first domed ballpark. Since the stadium opened in November, the stadium has gone through an upgrade over its facility such as more spectator seats and a wider field screen. The Heroes will have their first exhibition game there against the Wyverns today.