"The players took a step up. I think they will be able to deal with any crisis in the new season."

Captain Koo Ja-wook (32) spoke confidently at the Samsung Spring Camp held at Onnason Ballpark in Okinawa, Japan on Tuesday. He talked about this while recalling last year's Korean Series.

Samsung, which was evaluated as the lowest rank last year, advanced to the Korean Series for the first time in nine years since 2015, by ranking second in the regular season. However, it ended up as the runner-up with one win and four losses in the Korean Series against KIA. Although it did not wear the champion's ring, it was a big achievement for young players including Kim Young-woong (22), Lee Jae-hyun (22), and Kim Ji-chan (24) to experience the Korean Series for the first time. Samsung is also mentioned as a potential winner along with Kia this season. "Young players did well without getting nervous. I regret the result, but now all the players have recovered from the disappointment," Koo said. "I will only play with good memories in this season."메이저놀이터

Koo Ja-wook himself was the most regrettable player in the Korean Series. Koo suffered a ligament in his left knee during the playoff against the LG Twins, forcing him to watch the Korean Series in the dugout. The aftermath was also prolonged. Koo started his full-fledged rehabilitation after wearing a cast after the season ended, but was unable to accompany him to the first spring camp that took place in Guam last month. Instead, he entered Okinawa with catcher Kang Min-ho (40) first, and improved his physical condition at Futures (minor league) camp. "I got good energy and regained my motivation while training with young players in the Futures League," Koo said.

Koo joined the first-team camp last week and is still training in the rehabilitation team. "I am fully engaged in the training for hitting but I think I am doing around 80 percent of the defense," Koo said after training in the outfield. "As the team manages the team well, we will prepare so that there will be no problem in playing in the opening game (March 22)."

Koo will serve as captain this year as well following last year. "I felt nothing disappointing when I was captain last year. As everyone focused on the game while thinking about the team, it led to many wins," Koo said. "As the team members' skills are so good that there is no doubt, I will try to create a good atmosphere in the dugout."

Samsung has become stronger this season. It brought in starting agent Choi Won-tae (28) from the free agent market and also recruited Hurado (29), who played as Kiwoom ace last year. Rookie pitcher Bae Chan-seung (19) is also drawing keen attention.

However, Koo was wary of excessive optimism. Referring to the fact that there were six games gap between Samsung and SSG in sixth place last year, Koo said, "It is important to play well in each game so that we can step by step and leap to the top of the list." "I hope the players will play with pride and confidence as their evaluation has increased." Koo, who has been awarded the Rookie of the Year award for 10 years this year, said, "I think my personal goal is no longer meaningless. If there is wind, I will play in as many games as possible in my best condition," and added, "I will do my best to avoid hitting balls (to prevent injury)." Koo has played full-time in 144 games since his debut as a pro in 2017.

He also expressed his dream of becoming an adult national team player who has never played in the national baseball league. Koo had high personal career records in home runs (33) and RBIs (115) last year, and was most likely to be selected as a member of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier 12 national team. However, he failed to become a member of the national baseball team due to his injury during the playoffs. "As I have always dreamed of becoming a national team member, I want to play well this season and get good reviews," Koo said. The 6th World Baseball Classic will take place next year.