“There are a lot of players who want to play. We’re not in a position to play Goodrum.”
A $400,000 replacement outfielder who has tasted major league water. But he hasn’t been in the starting lineup for 10 days.
Lotte Giants’ Nico Goodrum hasn’t started six games in a row. His last start was on September 9 against the Changwon NC Dinos.
After a long silence, he made his last appearance as a pinch-hitter against the Busan Kiwoom Heroes on Sept. 19, but ended the game in vain with a walk-off single.
It was a catalyzing moment for acting Lotte manager Lee Jong-woon. Lee met with reporters at KT Wiz Park in Suwon on the 21st and said, “(Against Kiwoom) I sent him out because I thought he was fine, but when I saw him play, he still didn’t feel well. We have to use players who are in good shape, and it’s difficult to say that we will use (Goodrum) as a big defender and a big hitter right now.”
The former major leaguer played for the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, and Houston Astros. When he was drafted, he was seen as a versatile player who could play every position in the infield, even the corner outfield, and had decent speed and an unexpected bat. As a result, he was paid the full $400,000 (about $530,000) he was maxed out at the All-Star break despite being a replacement player.
However, the pain in his thigh has been bothering him while playing in Korea. A medical examination did not reveal any problems, but the player has been complaining of pain. She hasn’t been showing much determination or motivation. In a meeting with the acting manager, he said, “I don’t want to force myself to play.” His 11 errors in just 300 innings of defense are also a problem, as he has made several crucial errors and even three in one game.메이저사이트
If you’re not going to use him, why not just leave him off the roster and use him to bolster the bullpen or give a prospect a chance? “It’s a tough question. I don’t think it’s something I can answer,” he replied. Given Lotte’s current situation and the timing of the move, it’s more of an exit than a roster spot.
“If it was a Korean player, I would call him in and talk to him again. But he’s a foreigner, and he’s sick, so what can I tell him? I think it’s right to give the player who is in good shape a chance. There are so many players who want to play right now. If he (Goodrum) is at his best tomorrow, we’ll talk to the coaches again. Right now, I don’t see it.”
Lotte has a lot of injuries. Ahn Chi-hong’s place is filled by Park Seung-wook. Choi Joon-yong, Shin Jeong-rak, and Kim Do-kyu will fill in for Koo Seung-min and Kim Sang-soo.