OnlyBucs

I have been following Kang's progress in Grapefruit League Play. So far, he has homered 3 times. I am hoping when Opening Day comes around, Jung Ho Kang is at the hot corner. And Colin Moran is on the bench. Kang looks good both in the field and at bat from what I have read...Has anyone been to Bradenton and seen Jung Ho? Rooting for him to round back into form.



Beat'em Bucs

Well, he has had two years to get into form.

Even though I'm also happy with Kang's current stats, let's all remember that this is Spring Training. The only thing that I feel is definite, is that what Brault is continuing to be, but be Steven Brault. There's no way that he should come north. Nothing more than a AAAA pitcher.

6C4E59464A457F445C455843425B2B0 wrote: Even though I'm also happy with Kang's current stats, let's all remember that this is Spring Training. The only thing that I feel is definite, is that what Brault is continuing to be, but be Steven Brault. There's no way that he should come north. Nothing more than a AAAA pitcher.


Maybe but he has some HOF-level tattoos

4062756A666953687069746F6E77070 wrote: Even though I'm also happy with Kang's current stats, let's all remember that this is Spring Training. The only thing that I feel is definite, is that what Brault is continuing to be, but be Steven Brault. There's no way that he should come north. Nothing more than a AAAA pitcher.
At least we can say of Kang that he does not look like someone who was away for 2 years. That was the big question going into ST. Anyone can have a hot or a cold ST but if Kang had suffered an appreciable loss of skills by being away from the game, it isn't showing at all.

It seems like Kang has gotten himself into good shape this offseason. I honestly don't think he had to show much in ST to be able to regain the confidence of anyone. And because I also think that Moran will be more effective in a part time role, as evidenced by his September .912 OPS in that capacity.



As to Brault, that Yankee lineup is nuts. It's discouraging that he lost his control when facing adversity, but I'm not writing him off yet.

One thing about Kang is that it seems he is hitting a lot better than that disastrous stretch of winter ball a year ago.

052825343322357576470 wrote: Even though I'm also happy with Kang's current stats, let's all remember that this is Spring Training. The only thing that I feel is definite, is that what Brault is continuing to be, but be Steven Brault. There's no way that he should come north. Nothing more than a AAAA pitcher.
At least we can say of Kang that he does not look like someone who was away for 2 years. That was the big question going into ST. Anyone can have a hot or a cold ST but if Kang had suffered an appreciable loss of skills by being away from the game, it isn't showing at all.
This is where I stand on Kang. He hasn't looked overmatched. He is going to be fine. He provides good value just with his glove, if he hits .250 with 25HR's that is outstanding value. I really wish we had locked him up for multiple years. He will not come as cheap after this season.

46616A49040 wrote: One thing about Kang is that it seems he is hitting a lot better than that disastrous stretch of winter ball a year ago.
I think we have to disregard that performance. After sitting out the season, the Korean who had to learn to adjust to the American culture and language goes to the Domincan Republican with a different culture and a different language while trying to play competitive baseball again. He struggled and was released at mid season. His team was trying to win games and it wasn't their responsibility to patiently wait to see if Kang would regain his skills. Maybe he would have come around in the 2nd half but I can't blame his team for wanting to move on. But Kang's dismal performance in a new country for half a season after sitting out the regular season could not be a legit indication of whether he could still play. It was a different story when he came back to the US the following season and was clearly overqualified for Bradenton in the Florida State League (high A). They moved him to AAA where he didn't tear it up (.235) but that was only 9 games. In fact, his progression against AAA pitching was to go 1 for 15 in his first 4 games and then 7 for 19 in his next 5 games. Then had 2 hits playing 3 games for the Bucs against experienced MLB pitchers. Now he's having a good start to ST. The poor start in the Domincan League is understandable and everything since suggests he will be productive.

Thanks for sharing that perspective Bobster.  Makes me a little more optimistic about Kang.