“Time for a spark”…first outfielder to make Goodrum debut, but will Sutton’s new plan work for ‘winless in July’?
Lotte, which finished last in the win column in July, has made a gambit by moving Nico Goodrum, who has been an infielder since his debut, to the outfield.
Lotte manager Larry Sutton met with reporters ahead of the team’s 10th game of the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League against Doosan at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on Saturday to announce Goodrum’s first start in the outfield (left field).
Goodrum, who became a Lotte man on Nov. 11 for an annual salary of $400,000, made his KBO debut against Sasik Kiwoom on Nov. 21 and played infield for four consecutive games. He played third base against Kiwoom on the 21st and 22nd, shortstop against Kiwoom on the 23rd, and then put on the third base glove again against Jamsil Doosan on the 25th.
When asked why he chose to play Goodrum in the outfield, Sutton said, “It was to strengthen the lineup. We needed a change of pace. “Goodrum can play good defense in the outfield. Park Seung-wook is also good at defending third base. The outfield is currently missing Ahn Kwon-soo and Ko Seung-min with injuries. The other outfielders on the first team roster are also struggling.”
In reality, Goodrum is a utility player who can play both infield and outfield defense. In his 402-game major league career, he has played 38 games in left field, 16 in center field, and 14 in right field. Of course, Goodrum is an infield specialist, having started 147 games at shortstop and 124 games at second base.
With Goodrum’s move to left field, the new lineup is Yoon Dong-hee (right fielder), Goodrum (left fielder), Ahn Chi-hong (second baseman), Jeon Jun-woo (designated hitter), Han Dong-hee (first baseman), Park Seung-wook (third baseman), Yoo Kang-nam (catcher), Noh Jin-hyuk (shortstop), and Kim Min-seok (center fielder). They will look to end a three-game losing streak against Doosan starter Kwak Bin.바카라사이트
Lotte went 3-9 (.250 winning percentage) in July, dropping KT to fifth place in the standings for the first time in three months.
The starting pitcher will be Aaron Wilkerson, who will make his KBO debut. Sutton said, “I saw him in training and he has good pitches. I think it would be good if he pitches aggressively with his weapons.” “Considering it’s his debut, I expect him to throw about 80 pitches. We’ll keep an eye on him during the game.”
