Jung Ho Kang - Winter League

dogknot17@yahoo.co · Post by **dogknot17@yahoo.co** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 4:35 pm

In 24 at bats, Kang is batting .125 (three hits), one home run and four runs batted in.

SammyKhalifa · Post by **SammyKhalifa** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 4:36 pm

not a lot of ABs but it's not encouraging (or surprising)

fjk090852-7 · Post by **fjk090852-7** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 4:57 pm

I am not counting on Kang getting his work visa. I think the Pirates should look to acquire someone to play third base.

SammyKhalifa · Post by **SammyKhalifa** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 5:03 pm

636F6E353C353D30372832050 wrote: I am not counting on Kang getting his work visa. I think the Pirates should look to acquire someone to play third base.

Me too but it's interesting to check in on what he's doing

IABucFan · Post by **IABucFan** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 5:38 pm

This is my concern with Kang. Even if he does come back, he's two years removed from being a good MLB player. Skills deteriorate in that time. Even if he's been working out, he hasn't been facing live pitching, or if he has, it isn't MLB caliber.

Maybe Kang can still be a quality player, but I'm not counting on it. I doubt he ever plays for the Pirates again, frankly. But, as long as he's still under contract, I'm mildly interested. Regardless, I'm just not confident in him, even if he does get his visa.

Maybe is SSS, and maybe it's the effect of sitting around for a year. But, the Dominican league isn't exactly MLB.

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 5:50 pm

24 ABs is more than he'll ever have in a Pirates uniform again.

iabucco · Post by **iabucco** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 7:23 pm

I will be curious to see how this turns out. I would imagine between Kang and the Pirates they have a decent attorney. If Kang plays in Mexico and avoids another alcohol offense he will have gone over a year without anything. I think that year makes it easier for the Pirates to push harder than they did last year. I don't know if it is likely but I would think there is a decent chance that he at least makes it to training camp. That is, unless the Pirates decide to wash their hands of him.

Ecbucs · Post by **Ecbucs** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 10:44 pm

3A32312630303C530 wrote: I will be curious to see how this turns out. I would imagine between Kang and the Pirates they have a decent attorney. If Kang plays in Mexico and avoids another alcohol offense he will have gone over a year without anything. I think that year makes it easier for the Pirates to push harder than they did last year. I don't know if it is likely but I would think there is a decent chance that he at least makes it to training camp. That is, unless the Pirates decide to wash their hands of him.

I've gotten to the point that I hope he comes back and is dealt so the Bucs get something for him. Unless he doesn't drive in USA at all I think he is too risky (this is a change from what I thought during the season).

BenM · Post by **BenM** » Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:07 am

As long as he is on probation in the Korean legal system (spring 2019), I don't see Kang getting a US visa. And, considering his history, I have no problem with that.

Speedloader88 · Post by **Speedloader88** » Wed Oct 25, 2017 12:17 pm

Someone made a point about the deterioration or erosion of skills after missing a season or more in MLB. I liken it to the Martavis Bryant situation. Look at the mess his game is after his suspension and football doesn't require the fine motor skills and cognition that baseball requires. I too think Kang is done.