Um Slows Down but With Tighter Control

`160㎞→154㎞→152㎞.`

Um Chung-wook, SK`s pitcher known for his quick pitches, has slowed down. Nonetheless, he still has a promising future.

In a training game held last month in Okinawa, Japan, he recorded a 160km/hr pitch. For the past two games, however, he did not give up any runs. All indicate that he is growing into a true "pitcher".

In his first exhibition game against Hyundai on March 15, he snatched up a win by giving out only one walk in the first. Yesterday, he shut out Hanhwa batters in one inning and allowed one hit and one walk.

Um took the mound in the 7th, with his team leading 2-0. At first, he led the ball count to his advantage against Hanhwa`s Lee Do Hyung, 2 to 1. But he threw two consecutive bounded balls, and let Lee walk to first base. Um, however, grounded out the following two hitters.

The climax came when Hanhwa sent in pinch hitter Chang Chong-hoon. Um loaded the first and third base by allowing one hit. At full count, he threw a 152km/hr fast ball to the inside of Chang for the strikeout.

Against Hyundai, all of his fast balls were over 150km/hr. Yesterday, however, his slowest ball was recorded at 144km/hr. Considering he throws 150km/hr balls on average, it was quite "slow performance" from his usual.

Um, however, tried variations with curves and sliders and overall, concentrated more on control than on speed. He also paid much more attention to the runners on base.

After the game, he disclosed, "I did not try throwing fast balls today. I made a conscious effort to maintain control. My goal was not to let the hitters walk to first base."

Um has always been in the "minor league." Now, he is honing and fine tuning his own play to move up the ranks. SK coaching staff plan to help him gain confidence by giving him chances as a relief pitcher. SK manager Cho Bum-hyun promised, "[Um] has been scolded too much. He got a little down. When he took the mound, I told him `It is OK to throw five wild pitches.` I will give him opportunities this year."

Meanwhile, SK shut out Hyundai 3-0 with a thundering performance by Cho Kyung-hwan, including a solo homer and two hits. For the three exhibition games, SK has not lost yet.

In Daegu, Samsung`s Lee Seung-hyup and Mah Hae-yong knocked home runs over the fence.

Hwan-Soo Zang Sang-Soo Kim zangpabo@donga.com ssoo@donga.com