Hurdle: We Have Every Expectation To See Kang In Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio1020 KDKA) - Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was to the point when asked by Larry Richert and John Shumway during the "KDKA Morning News" if Jung Ho Kang will make the 25-man roster.
"We'll get you the roster when we set it," Hurdle said.
"We have every expectation to see him in Pittsburgh," Hurdle said. "We didn't sign this guy as a project. We believe that through time and practice and reps, he's going to find his comfort zone and find his way."
Recently, it's been a struggle for Kang. After a homer in his second Spring Training plate appearance, he only has two more hits in his last 25 at bats.
Hurdle says he's received a lot of advice from fans and media about what to do with Kang, but notes he's the best position player in South Korea and questions the finality of the decision-making by fans and media after 27 Spring Training at bats.
Kang was scheduled to get 6 to 8 at bats on Thursday with the minor leaguers at Pirate City. They want him to keep practicing with a low-key approach to his training.
Hurdle mentioned Kang is also being "ambushed" by pitchers with slide steps, which is something they don't do in Korea. They are also going to have him practice with machines with spin and more velocity.
"He has a leg kick, I don't know if you picked up on that," Hurdle said. "So does Jordy Mercer. And what's amazing is that no one talked about Jordy Mercer's leg kick for two months last year, but Kang's is a problem now. I don't know if he could hit like that, even though he's done it his whole life."
"He's a good player and a very dependable fielder. We are looking forward to the challenge as he is."
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