After batting in the bottom of the order for the first half of the season, the San Diego Padres moved Kim Ha-seong into the leadoff spot on June 23 against the San Francisco Giants.
With Kim as the leadoff man, San Diego’s offense has become more dynamic and route-oriented since July. This is evident in the team’s offensive metrics. San Diego’s runs per game increased by 14.6%, from 4.26 through June to 4.88 in July and August. It’s hard to deny that the offense has gotten better with Ha-Sung Kim in the No. 1 spot. The batting order of Ha-Sung Kim, Fernando Tatis Jr, Juan Soto, Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts is one of the best in the league.
The first role of a leadoff hitter is to drive in runs. Kim’s .367 on-base percentage is 11th in the NL. His 74 runs scored are 17th in the NL, but his 31 second-half runs are tied for 11th in the league. The leadoff hitter is also among the league’s best on the basepaths. His 29 stolen bases are fifth in the NL, and he is on pace to become the first Korean major leaguer to steal 30 bases in a season.
An important part of the leadoff role is creating chances. Advancing runners is just as important as getting on base yourself. In the major leagues, bunters rarely bunt in the early and middle innings, but they can use their judgment when necessary.
Kim Ha-seong came through with a sacrifice bunt. In the top of the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Sept. 29, Kim laid down a sacrifice bunt in a 0-0 game. After leadoff hitter Trent Grisham walked, Kim laid down a perfect bunt to put runners on first and second with no outs. It was Kim’s fourth bunt of the season and his first in 83 days since June 7 against the Seattle Mariners.
However, there was a notable defensive play in this play. St. Louis third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Kim picked off veteran St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright’s first-pitch curveball high on the body. The second pitch, an 82-mph cutter, dug into the strike zone, and he put his bat on it. It floated slightly and landed between the third baseman and the mound. It appeared to be a judgmental bunt.
As the ball landed on the left side of the mound, Arenado sprinted out, grabbed it with his bare hands, and quickly threw to first base for the out. Kim sprinted, but he was about half a step too late. Arenado’s impeccable defense prompted a local broadcaster to say, “It’s fun to watch his defense. He’s an unbelievable infielder,” he said.
Arenado is considered one of the best infielders in the major leagues. After making his major league debut with the Colorado Rockies in 2013, Arenado won the NL Gold Glove at third base for 10 straight years until last year. He’s won the Silver Slugger five times, so he’s an offensive and defensive third baseman. 카지노사이트
Kim’s surprise bunt was just a sacrifice bunt in front of the “master” of infield defense. It’s ironic that Kim lunges forward, catches it with his bare hands, and throws it to first base in a running lane, which is his trademark.
You could say that Kim’s role model is Arenado. Last year, Kim was one of three Gold Glove finalists at shortstop, finishing second. The Gold Glove is voted on by the managers and coaches of each team on the field. Kim’s defensive prowess was recognized last year. This season, he’s still ranked first and second in the league in defense.
His defense has been recognized, and his offense has skyrocketed this season, making him one of San Diego’s best leadoff hitters.
After going 1-for-4 on the day, Kim is batting .274 (119-for-435) with 17 home runs, 49 RBI, 74 runs scored, 29 doubles, a .367 on-base percentage, a .437 slugging percentage, and an .804 OPS. His bWAR of 6.2 is third in the NL. His offensive bWAR of 4.4 is sixth in the NL and his defensive bWAR of 2.3 is second. It’s safe to say that he’s one of the best all-around infielders in the majors.