Daejeon: Trying to make a push for their second title in three seasons, the LG Twins signed career minor league pitcher Anders Tolhurst in August to replace Elieser Hernandez in their rotation. And Tolhurst has been a key part of the Twins' run, going 6-2 with a 2.86 ERA in eight starts and winning the opening game of the ongoing Korean Series against the Hanwha Eagles by tossing six innings of two-run ball last Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, international scouts behind the signing described it as "fortunate" for the Twins to acquire Tolhurst during his transition from Double-A to Triple-A in the Toronto Blue Jays system. Scout Justin Prinstein, speaking before Game 4 of the Korean Series at Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark, remarked on Tolhurst's continuous improvement, emphasizing his rapid development and impressive demeanor on the mound.
Prinstein noted the creative decision to sign a player with no big league experience, highlighting the potential for Tolhurst to become a major league starter. He expressed confidence in Tolhurst's durability and potential for continued growth, considering his age and previous experience.
In recent years, younger foreign players have been joining the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), with Tolhurst following a path similar to pitcher Merrill Kelly, who successfully transitioned to Major League Baseball (MLB) after his stint in the KBO. Prinstein expressed optimism about Tolhurst's future prospects, highlighting the benefits of gaining confidence and experience in high-pressure situations in the KBO.
Jason Dunn, another international scout for the Twins, highlighted the strategic advantage of working with a talented domestic player base, allowing the team to be selective in addressing specific needs. Dunn emphasized the importance of finding players with bat-to-ball skills, power, and defensive abilities to complement the existing roster.
Prinstein, in his first season with the Twins after working with the Kia Tigers, and Dunn, a more seasoned presence with the Seoul-based club, both expressed admiration for the passionate KBO fan base and the rewarding experience of attending games in person. Dunn looked forward to continuing his involvement with the league in the future.