Is it an unreasonable choice for Ahn Woo-jin (24, Kiwoom Heroes) to be eliminated from the final list of the WBC (World Baseball Classic) national team?
Controversy is hot over Choo Shin-soo (41, SSG Landers)’s statement of conviction. Choo Shin-soo recently appeared as a guest on a local Korean radio broadcast in Dallas, Texas, and expressed his thoughts about Ahn Woo-jin’s failure to join the WBC team. Regarding Ahn Woo-jin, he said, “I definitely did something wrong,” and said, “It’s very unfortunate to hear and see as a third person.” He continued, “If I go abroad, I am a talented player who can become a good player next to Park Chan-ho,” he said. When the presenter’s opinion came out, “Can’t you look at the player’s future and protect him?” Choo Shin-soo said, “I don’t think it’s easy to forgive in Korea. I can’t go out. I have so many things to say,” he sighed for a while. Also, “I am not a senior. What I want to say to many baseball seniors is that they were born early and played baseball early, so they are not seniors. It’s a pity. If my juniors are going the wrong way or exercising in the wrong place, I have to speak up and try to help them change, but I just watch them. It’s very unfortunate.” 토토사이트
An Woo-jin took first place in the 2022 season ERA (2.11), strikeouts (244), WHIP (on-base rate per inning, 0.95), pitcher’s WAR (contribution to victory against substitutes, 7.95, based on Sports 2 I), and most wins (15 wins). ) played an active part as a league-top pitcher, including a tie for second place. Judging from the skills and records shown last year, the word ‘unreasonable’ may come to mind for Ahn Woo-jin’s failure to go to the WBC, as Shin-soo Choo said.
However, the selection criteria for the WBC national team were not limited to skill.
When asked about Ahn Woo-jin at the press conference announcing the final list on the 4th, Cho Beom-hyeon, technical director of the WBC national team, said, “When selecting 30 players, we considered various things, such as the symbolic meaning of the national team representing the country, responsibility, and pride, along with skills. ” he replied. The WBC may simply be seen as a ‘baseball tournament’, but in that it is a stage in front of the world wearing a uniform with the national name ‘KOREA’ and the national flag, it is a heavy responsibility to have not only the best skills but also the dignity to represent the country. has been granted
As Choo Shin-soo said, Ahn Woo-jin revealed several times that he was sorry for his past mistakes, and some of those who were designated as victims even submitted a petition. However, while ‘complete forgiveness and reconciliation’ have not yet been achieved, his joining the national team may create a ‘national team that is not welcome from the start’. There is no disagreement that Ahn Woo-jin is a player with talent that can be used not only in Korea but also in the United States. Ahn Woo-jin can also make another wound to himself. From this point of view, the composition of this national team forced baseball seniors to suffer more than ever.
Carrying the Taegeuk mark is not as easy as it sounds. Choo Shin-soo, who wore the Taegeuk mark ten years ago, is the part he should know best.