Kim Ha-seong is starting to show signs of life in his quest for a Gold Glove. Unlike the past two years, there is a lot of speculation about his chances this year. Not only his manager and teammates, but also the local media in the United States consider him the best center fielder in the National League.
The San Diego Padres have been underachieving in the starting rotation and batting order, but their defense has been steady all season, according to an article published by USA Today. “An unlikely Gold Glove candidate is at the center of it all,” the article said. That someone is Kim Ha-Sung.
According to The Athletic, San Diego had a DRS (runs saved by defense) of 16 through four days. That’s 16 runs saved on defense. That’s tied for fifth in the majors. Ha Sung Kim leads the majors with a DRS of 13.
Last year, he was in the final three for the Gold Glove at shortstop in the National League, but this year, he’s stepped it up a notch and is looking at the top of the heap. Another metric says he’s the best in the majors. He ranks second in the majors in OAA (on-base percentage), behind only teammate Xander Bogaerts.
“Kim, who was touted for his offensive potential when he signed with San Diego, could become the first Korean-born player to win the major league’s top defensive award,” wrote The Athletic.
“At first, I didn’t think about winning 토토사이트 the Gold Glove at all, but as I entered my third year, I knew I might get it,” Kim said. “If I go out and do what I’m supposed to do, I’ll be rewarded,” he adds.
Kim credits Bobby Dickerson, who was his defensive coach in his rookie season, and Manny Machado as his mentors. “It doesn’t matter where you play,” Machado said. “It doesn’t matter where you play,” he said, giving Kim a thumbs-up.
“He’s from a different culture, a different country. Everything he’s used to is different. But he tried to accept the new and adapt to it, and that’s what drives him now. He’s trying to be the best. He learned from us (Coach Dickerson and himself), but in the end, he did it on his own.”
He added that Kim’s failure to win the Gold Glove last year was a surprise. “This is definitely going to be his season,” Machado said.