Kiwoom Heroes’ Ian McKinney (29) has won his first victory since his debut, raising expectations.
McKinney joined Kiwoom as a substitute 토토꽁포인트 foreign pitcher for Eric Yokishi, who was injured and left Kiwoom. There was not much known information because he had no major league experience and played in the U.S. independent league. The contract size was also not large, with a total of $185,000 (about 241.61 million won). The guaranteed annual salary is $100,000 (about 130.6 million won), the lowest among foreign players playing in the KBO League this season.
McKinney, who made his KBO League debut against Doosan on the 25th of last month, recorded five hits, three walks, two strikeouts, and two runs in four innings. Although he became a losing pitcher, he showed a stable performance after losing a point in the first inning and expressed his possibility.
McKinney won six innings, three hits, two walks, five strikeouts and no runs against SSG on the 1st. He won his first victory in his debut in his second appearance since his debut, raising expectations. In an interview after the game, “I feel so good today. I’m glad the results came out so well today. There were also many good plays in defense. His chemistry with catcher Kim Dong-heon was also good. “It seems like a victory made by all the players today,” he said.
Head coach Hong Won-ki said in an interview at the time when McKinney was about to make his debut, “Mckini talked with catcher Kim Dong-heon for a long time. “I believe that the two players will produce good results with good teamwork,” he said.
Rookie catcher Kim Dong-heon, who worked with McKinney twice, said, “Mckini talked about what type of pitcher he is and what kind of ball he wants to throw. When we talked, I felt that he was a really good player. He’s kind of like a teacher, too. “But I think it’s important to know what kind of player he is, and I got the impression that he was well prepared in that regard,” he said, referring to McKinney’s first impression.
Regarding McKinney’s self-introduction, Kim Dong-heon said, “I like the vertical movement of the ball, so I feel the ball is faster than the batters feel.” “And I said I could use crystal balls such as curves and changeups well, so I mixed the balls with that in mind,” he explained.
McKinney, who is interested in data and is trying to adapt quickly to the characteristics of Korean hitters, said, “Korean hitters seem to be more focused on contact. I try to make as many in-play balls as possible after making a lot of fouls. U.S. hitters often swing big for long hits. Therefore, it is relatively easy to induce a swing and strike out. “Since there are many different types of hitters in Korea, I think we need to be more active in targeting and adjusting the strike zone,” he said. “There have been a lot of flying balls in the U.S. recently,” he continued. “However, Korea has a lot of ground balls, so I think it is an environment where I can get a lot of help from infielders,” he added.
Attention is focusing on whether McKinney, who showed his potential, will be able to fill Yokishi’s gap and fill a spot in Kiwoom’s starting lineup.