“It is better to pitch four days apart”.
Audrey Samer Despine has been active as KT Wiz’s leading foreign pitcher for three years since 2020. In his first year, he passed 200 innings and won 15 games. He won 13 wins in 188 innings as well in the 2021 season. What was special about him was that he enjoyed pitching four days apart. He even contributed to the championship while having the effect of giving rest to other starting pitchers.
The second Despine appeared in the KIA Tigers. His foreign ace is Shawn Anderson. He made two starts last week. In the game against Sajik Lotte on the 18th (Tuesday), he stagnated with 4 runs in 5 innings, but on the 23rd (Sunday) against Samsung in Gwangju, he played 6⅓ innings and allowed 2 runs and won his 2nd win. Even though it was four days apart, the ball was better.
Succeeded in Quality Start 4 times. He has good two-seam power and throws blade sliders and curveballs well. He basically has excellent control. He has just 4 walks in 5 games. He gave only 1.11 (third best) per 9 innings. He has a batting average of 2.8 and a WHIP of less than 1 (0.93). Various figures indicate that he is an excellent foreigner.
He is also showing off the aspect of an inning eater, a favorite of directors. He pitched 32⅓ innings in five games. He is averaging over 6 innings pitched. He had 1 game in 5 innings, but the others had 7 innings twice and 6 or more innings twice. He always makes the game until late in the game, reducing the burden on the bullpen pitchers.
Anderson preferred to pitch four days apart. After the game that day, “It was not difficult to start after a 4-day break. The 5-day break seems a bit long. Rather, the 4-day break is a better way to prepare for the game. It’s good,” he said softly. 메이저놀이터
Anderson promised to “throw 200 innings” in spring training. He seemed to know and tell the team what they needed. Hector Noesi was the only foreign pitcher in the history of the KIA to exceed 200 innings. In the 2017 season, he contributed to the championship with 206⅔ innings and 20 wins. Anderson is also a fully possible target if this trend continues.
Regarding the secret of good pitching that day, “In the previous (match against Lotte), the result was not good because the game could not be led according to the prepared game plan. During this appearance, we talked a lot about the power analysis team and the opposing team, and our physical condition was good on the day of the pitch. I prepared well so that I could pitch in the best condition,” he explained.
Lastly, “It’s still early in the season and there are many appearances left. I will prepare well as I do now so that I can win as much as possible. Also, Na Seong-beom and Kim Do-young are out with injuries, but the rest of the fielders are doing well, but I will join the team as soon as possible. I hope that the team can achieve better results.” He has a different mindset for his team and colleagues. Such foreigners are often called ‘filial mercenaries’.