After playing for the Korea Baseball Organization for the first nine seasons of his career, Song joined the Friars this summer. In his debut season playing baseball in the United States, he now hopes to have a daily influence on the Padres squad.
Song’s most recent challenge in Peoria, Arizona, is playing left field and shortstop after beginning camp as a second and third baseman. Since middle school, Song has not been an infield quarterback and has never played the latter.
He’s willing to take on both tasks.
Song stated, via interpreter Jun Yi and MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell, “Whenever [manager Craig Stammen] needs me to.” “Playing at shortstop or in the outfield will be different. However, I have to get ready if the team needs me to play.
Song could have several opportunities in the Padres lineup if manager Craig Stammen puts him in a game at one of the two positions.
Stammen stated, “We just need to get him on the practice field doing those things.” “After that, we can play a game with him.”
Song has a spot in the Padres lineup against right-handed hitters, and if he can succeed at left field or shortstop, it’s his to take.
Song stated, “I’ll get more at-bats during the game.” “After that, I’ll see more pitchers, which should help me feel more at ease.”
Song will undoubtedly have a difficult assignment ahead of him, but the Padres believe he can follow in the footsteps of former shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Although it took Kim some time to adjust to MLB, once he did, he thrived.
A.J. Preller, president of baseball operations, added Song this season with the hopes that the KBO infielder would follow suit.
In addition to being prepared for the change, Song might be a reliable backup for Jake Cronenworth at second or Manny Machado at third during the season.
Song remarked, “My pressure kind of went away after I got my first hit [Thursday].” “My teammates and I get along well. Thus, the past two days have been good.
