Attention is focusing on whether Tommy Edman (28, St. Louis), who will wear the Taegeuk mark for the first time, will end the national team lead-off worries through the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
When asked to 온라인바카라 introduce himself on the 14th (Korean time) at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida, USA, the spring camp site of St. Louis, Edman said, “I think I contribute to the game in many ways. I am quick on my feet, and I am good at defense and hitting. It’s good. I’m excited to show Korean fans all the various things I can do on set.”
When you think of Edmund, what comes to mind is defense. He won the Gold Glove in the National League second baseman category in 2021, and last year also recorded 19 in the latest defensive indicator OAA (Outs Above Average), the third highest in the major leagues across positions. OAA is a defensive metric that measures how many more outs are caught than league average, and with Edmon behind, that pitcher earns 19 more outs.
His aggression wasn’t so well lit. On the surface, his batting average was 0.269, OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) 0.732, and wRC+ (adjusted run production) 102, which were on par with the major league averages. Last year, St. Louis also tried to replace Edmon, who played leadoff in 2021, with another player at the beginning of the season, citing a low on-base percentage (0.308). However, Edmund regained the position after about a month.
This is thanks to his composure and consistency at the plate, which he also mentioned. Edmund introduced himself, adding, “The other thing is to be consistent and calm every plate. I don’t get too emotional in any way.” These two are at the top of the list of virtues required for a leadoff.
His pitching plan doesn’t look special last year, with a walk rate of 7.3 percent and a strikeout rate of 17.6 percent, but according to St. Louis manager Oliver Marmall, Edmund hits balls that are sure to yield results. “Edman is waiting for a ball that can actually result in something,” Mamol told MLB.com last year. “That allows him to walk more and do more damage to opponents. If he keeps doing that, he’s going to have a ball.” There is no reason to change the leadoff.”
His fast feet, which can shake the opponent’s camp once he gets on base, are also attractive. Edman recently recorded 30 or more stolen bases for two consecutive years, and his stealing success rate during that period is also high at 0.886. These are all virtues necessary for a lead-off.
After Lee Yong-gyu (38), Korea entered the lead-off spring, autumn, and national era for a while. Lee Jung-hoo (25, Kiwoom or older), who had experience in charge at least once, has grown into a player who would suit the cleanup trio, and Park Hae-min (33, LG), a veteran with a bit more strength in defense, had to find a successor. While Kim Hye-seong (24, Kiwoom) and Choi Ji-hoon (26, SSG) challenged the WBC national team this time, if even Edmon proves his offensive ability, it seems that the next lead-off worry will be over.