Seoul: In his second game as interim manager for the struggling Doosan Bears on Wednesday, Cho Sung-hwan inserted three rookies into his starting lineup while sending a first-year pitcher to the hill. Second baseman Kim Jun-sang, third baseman Park Jun-soon, and shortstop Lee Seon-woo will make up three-quarters of the starting infield against the Kia Tigers at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. This will be Lee's first start in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), while Kim and Park will both be making their fourth career starts. On the mound, right-hander Choi Min-seok will be making his third career start in the KBO.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho, formerly the Bears' quality control coach, was thrust into the interim role after Lee Seung-yuop resigned on Monday. In the two days since, Cho has sent down a handful of veterans to the minors while giving inexperienced players a chance to play. The interim boss said those players should not take their opportunity for granted. "I hope they cherish their chances to take the field at this particular juncture," said Cho, whose Bears are sitting in ninth place among 10 teams at 23-33-3 (wins-losses-ties). "I am willing to play anyone who works hard and dedicates himself to the team."
Cho expressed his desire for extra energy from the younger players and steadiness from the veterans. "I think the most important thing is for players to understand their roles," he said. "Older guys have to take care of their younger teammates. And young guys have to be running around like mad." Despite the increasing presence of youth in the lineup, Cho said the Bears have not yet thrown in the towel on the season.
"I think it is a little premature to say we're in a rebuilding mode," Cho stated, adding humorously, "This is my second day and I think I am the one who needs some rebuilding." Cho, 48, has been coaching for seven years but doesn't have prior managerial experience. "I told my players they shouldn't be too sloppy on the field, but I think I was the sloppiest one on the team," Cho admitted, referring to his inability to make bullpen decisions on the fly during Tuesday's 11-3 loss to the Tigers. "The players did their best. The result is tough to swallow but we'll keep trying to find silver linings in losses."