Chapter 22 – Episode 22. Cheon So-Young (2)

“Ha. How can a scouting team be so lousy?”

AT Thunders’ young management team leader, Keum Ok-yeop, and Chun So-yeong of the AT Group sighed as soon as they closed the paperwork. The documents Cheon So-young was looking at were documents uploaded ahead of the upcoming first draft. There was no document of the most important player in the first draft, which will determine the club’s 10 years.

“Tsk. Fools. Because I picked players with those eyes, there are no people on the team right now.”

Soyoung shook her head and clicked her tongue.

“How do you recommend players with less than 35 potential?”

In So-Young’s eyes, she wanted to fire the entire scouting team that had listed these trashy players as candidates for the first round of nominations.

Soyoung was a special person. Of course, it was special enough for her to be a woman born into a noble family, but she was even more special when it came to baseball. Because her worth as a baseball player has been visible ever since she touched some weird crap in the World Series she went to see with her grandfather as a kid.

‘Grandfather! The Cardinals won!’

‘This is the Cardinals’ first championship since 1982.’

‘Really? You’re older than our team?’

‘That’s right. Major League Baseball has a lot of teams, so it takes a long time to win. Soyoung.’

‘Uh?! Someone over there threw out the trash! I have to pick it up aaaaagh!’

‘Soyoung! Soyoung! Why is he suddenly Manager Kim! Manager Kim!’

‘President!!’

The memory of that day gives me chills even when I think back on it. The devil whispers to make a contract with an old ghost with floating feet. Her memory of that day still remains as a trauma, and even if she traveled to the United States, she was a So-young who never set foot in St. Louis.

‘Oh, it was terrible.’

From that day on, if So-young wanted, her player’s ability and value could be seen in the form of a scout report. She had the downside of having to see for herself, but as she went around the weekend league and the Golden Lions in the first half of the year, almost all high school players in Seoul were checked. That’s why I didn’t like this material sent by the scouting team even more.

Soyoung turned over the material she didn’t like and leaned against her chair and pressed her temples. Because the memory of that time suddenly came back and his head throbbed.

“Ha. I shouldn’t have touched it then.”

Instead of gaining the eyes to see the ability of baseball players, there were also things that were lost. Because I saw a ghost after touching the garbage. Ghosts were too scary for a 9-year-old girl. And, of course, her house was in chaos.

She was treated in a mental hospital for seeing ghosts, but she continued to see ghosts, and in the end, the ghosts did not appear until after she received an amulet from a shaman’s house. Although she has since become invisible to the ghosts, her image has suffered because of the incident, and in the end, she failed to take over other affiliates.

Her grandfather and uncles also liked So-young, but it was a burden to have So-young with her mental history as her boss. The only thing left is the baseball team, which was her president’s hobby. The adults in the family thought it was a suitable place for So-yeong, who was not burdened even if she failed and who happened to enjoy watching baseball with Chairman Cheon.

Chairman Chun was also very satisfied with giving her granddaughter a gift of an affiliate, so So-young took over the AT Thunders without any objection.

Fortunately, her hobby, which she started at the age of 20, earned her little money, so she had no major complaints, but she regretted not being able to show her abilities to her grandfather.

“I can do well too….”

Last year, when Soyoung graduated from college, she was a member of the management team, and this year, the team leader. A few years later, she was on a course leading to president.

“Anyway, let me be the boss. Change everything.”

Still, Soyoung and AT Thunders got along well. So-Young has been a die-hard AT Thunders fan since childhood thanks to her grandfather’s influence. In addition, So-young’s ability, which is useless in society, was a fantastic talent in baseball.

He was only a member of the team last year, so he couldn’t change the team, but now he is the head of the operations team. He was in a good position to change teams. The position of the operation team leader was good because it gave more influence to the team than the president. Because in the modern baseball team, the president was the one who only paid.

And when he gradually changes teams from the manager of the operation team and becomes the president, he wins a team that looks like a beggar who hasn’t even gone to fall baseball for 20 years. That was Soyoung’s plan.

“Right now, I only received affiliates like the Thunders, but if I achieve results here, my father and uncles will see me again, right? Then, the succession structure… “

No one in the family now saw him as an heir. However, his evaluation could have been different if all the executives led the failed AT Thunders to victory. And….

“I want my grandfather to wake up after seeing Thunders win….”

He presents the championship to the most beloved and respected grandfather in the world who is lying in a hospital bed. Baseball was his grandfather’s lifelong love, so it was clear he would benefit from healing.

“For that, the draft is important. These idiots.”

So-yeong’s angry appearance made it hard to believe that she was the same person as the cold-looking beauty from before.

-Smart.

As I was swearing like that, I heard a knock on the door. Soyoung quickly managed her expression and returned to her usual businesslike and cold appearance.

“Come on in.”

The door opens and a man enters.

“Manager. The preparations are complete.”

The man became nervous at So-young’s cold appearance and said something. First nomination meeting. It was the first draft more important than ever because it will change to a full draft from next year.

“I see. Let’s go together.”

Soyoung also knew the importance of it, so she made up her mind and walked to the conference room. In the conference room, the management team, scouting team, and general manager of operations and the leader were already seated.

“This is Team Leader Chun So-young.”

The general manager and the general manager didn’t care too much about Soyoung’s arrival last. Because she’s the soon-to-be boss. Maybe the opponent they should show the best was Chun So-young.

“We’ve come to Team Leader Cheon, so let’s start.”

At the words of the leader, the lights in the meeting room turned off and the beam projector projected onto the screen. However, even in such a dark environment, the people gathered in the conference room focused on the screen illuminated by the projector. Because no one here doesn’t know the importance of this meeting.

“Hello. This is Hong Hyeon-cheol, the team leader of the scouting team.”

“Okay, let’s skip all catering and go to the main point.”

At the words of the leader, Hong Hyeon-cheol, the scout team leader, nodded and gestured to him. Hyeoncheol’s gesture moved the data screen to the next data. Concise progression. It was the AT Thunders meeting that changed after So-Young, who joined the company last year, suggested that the meeting be unnecessarily long.

“First of all, I am Kim Won-ho of Korea Physical Education High School, the first candidate to be nominated. He is 193 cm tall and weighs 83 kg. He is a right-handed pitcher. His highest speed was 154 km / h in this Golden Lion, and his average speed was 148 km / h. He throws a 140 slider with 2 pitches and an occasional splitter with 3 pitches. His control is among the best in high school baseball.”

“What is the possibility that Shinra will not be nominated?”

“Currently none. Although he has a paid career due to injuries, he is a player who has stepped up since the injury. And what about Tommy John these days, isn’t it surgery?”

Although the primary nomination was strong, it was taboo for the scouting team to skip a player because of Tommy John surgery after the player who was filtered out of the draft due to Tommy John surgery was a jackpot or advanced to the major leagues.

Knowing that fact, the people gathered in the conference room erased the possibility of appointing Kim Won-ho from their heads.

‘It’s a pity that he was the only pitcher with 30/55 stats. He won’t fall until the second round, right?’

Soyoung also quickly erased Kim Wonho’s name from her mind.

“Besides, even if it is filtered in Silla, there is a high possibility that it will be picked in Hancheol.”

“It’s no wonder that I was assigned third place at a time like this. Tsk.”

“Then let’s move on to the next player. I am Park Ji-hwan, a pitcher at Yongsan Internet High School. He is 191 cm tall and weighs 90 kg. It was confirmed in the last competition that he sprayed 150 km / h even after passing 100 pitches. His average velocity was 142 to 144. His highest velocity is 153. Plus, he’s good at throwing a variety of breaking balls. He also has a significant drop in his bell slider.”

‘Ha. 30/40. He’s a good player, but…. This isn’t enough, it’s not enough.’

As the names of the pitchers were mentioned, So-young’s sighs deepened. Until the last player was called, there was no player with a potential of over 35.

“… That is all.”

When the names of all the players on the list were called, Soyoung sighed and turned on the microphone.

“This is Cheon So-young, the head of the operation team. Isn’t Ji Maeng-ho from Hanchego on the list?”

Ji Maeng-ho is the only player So-yeong was surprised to see with her own eyes. When she first checked Maengho’s abilities, Soyoung couldn’t help but be surprised. It was because a player who had no name in the meantime confirmed potential that had never been seen in the KBA league.

‘It was 35/80, right?’

When evaluating players in the major leagues, a score of 80 is in the top 0.1% of talent. A talent that represents an era in which at most one or two people emerge in an era. In addition, Soyoung’s eyes were not based on the KBA, but on the major leagues. A player who will one day bomb the major leagues.

I wanted to fire the whole scouting team that didn’t recognize such a player. He was prepared for it because it was not in the document, but when Ji Maeng-ho’s letter “Ji” Didn’t come out even in the real meeting, So-young’s head exploded with steam.

In addition, even the current ability was enough to work in the 1st group. If he’s 50 by eye, he’s an ordinary player in the major leagues. 45 is a starting player for a weak team, 40 is an aaaaa league player who is above the AAA level, but does not work in the majors. In other words, it was the level of a player who came to Korea as a mercenary. By around 30-35, he could be seen as an average player in the KBA league.

‘I can’t even recognize such a player.’

“Ah, Ji Maeng-ho from Hanche High School. He won the best player award in the Golden Lion Flag.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Manager. The players we’ve listed are all prospects we’ve been looking for since freshman year of high school. Ji Maeng-ho didn’t even play in the first or second year, and he only showed that in one tournament. The scouting team is internally considering Fluke’s potential.”

“You are currently 188 cm tall and weigh in the upper 80 kg range. Are you considering the possibility of a fluke?”

Haha, it must be because the team leader hasn’t played baseball, but baseball isn’t played physically.”

The head of the scouting team, who was in charge of the presentation, said that with a friendly smile. But beneath that smile was the former player’s unique Gonzo saying, “What kind of opinion is the parachute? Just observe and go.”

“Oh, Manager Hong is also good. To Chief Cheon.”

“Well, because it’s true.”

Trying to ignore the whispers she heard, So-young opened her mouth again.

“I know. But isn’t Ji Maeng-ho not enough to be listed? He is the best player in the Golden Lion.”

Haha, there are players who get released after only 2nd team battles even with Lee Byung-min’s batting injury. There is no pro who has not received the best player award. 2nd on our team, he. Isn’t it Kang Joo-hyun? Kang Joo-hyun received the MVP award in three competitions: Golden Lion, Blue Dragon, and Phoenix. But what about the results? He’s not getting out of District 2.”

“Unlike Kang Joo-hyun, Ji Maeng-ho has good physicality? Besides, he’s already hit 10 home runs….”

“That’s why physical isn’t everything. Besides, it is meaningful to show records consistently, but it is not meaningful that he did well in one tournament.”

“Award winning, physical. Record. If you don’t see all three, what the hell are scouting teams looking at?”

Haha. Hitters mainly look at the swing mechanism. Ji Maeng-ho pulls too many batted balls. You can see he has poor bat control. Besides, Ji Maeng-ho is an upper-wing hitter aiming for a home run, so he doesn’t fit well with Jamsil.”

‘Stupid bastard. Maengho Ji’s power tools are 55/80.’

At 55/80, he was at a similar level to Choi Jin-cheol, who won the home run king last season, and if he fully developed his potential, he was at a similar level to Stanton* and Judge*, who are called chimpanzees in the major leagues.

“And he has a history of injuries. Maengho Ji, you know that you have been suspended for a year, right? That was a big car accident. There were injuries to his right shoulder and right thigh, and it was a major operation that even drove his iron core. How can you pick a player with such unstable shoulders and legs in the first round?”

Every word he said was spectacle. Ji Maeng-ho’s shoulder (Arm Strength: When evaluating a fielder’s shoulder, it is divided into power and accuracy), as seen through So-young’s eyes, was 55/60, which was already at the major league level.

‘And the most important speed is 80/80, which is already the fastest in the major leagues!’

The most important factor in evaluating speed is how quickly you get to first base. As a result of direct measurement by Soyoung in the game, Ji Maeng-ho’s arrival time to first base was 3.98 seconds, equivalent to Trout*. Ji Maeng-ho’s biggest strengths were his already average-level physical and the power to grow further.

“Do you know that Maeng-Ho Ji takes 3.98 seconds to reach first base?”

“Ah, until we get there…. But it’s true that there’s an injury risk, so you won’t be able to sprint every plate. Besides, if a 190 tall guy runs at that speed, isn’t it obvious that the injury will recur? We need a guy with the guts to sprint to first base every plate turn.”

Soyoung’s head pounded at the outdated view of baseball. His guts, his guts! Eyes, eyes!

“Besides, this player says he played shortstop in middle school, but now he plays second base. His athletic ability has been declining since his injury. We rated it that way.”

“Ha. On what basis? Just by changing positions?”

“… Yes.”

“That can be done by doing medical! What is Ji Maeng-ho’s condition?”

Soyoung was frustrated. Ji Maeng-ho’s physicality was not something that could come from Asians. Major League, physical that can be seen only in the minority there.

‘These dynamic-eyed bastards! I can’t see the rough stone right in front of me!’

“But didn’t you know that the medical test before the draft is against the rules? Don’t you know that too?”

“No! You can just pull it out. Medical test!”

The people gathered in the conference room were a little taken aback by seeing Soyoung for the first time. A woman who thought she was cold raised her voice like that. And such a new appearance stimulated Team Manager Hong’s pride. 30 years of baseball life. Because I was too proud to be pushed by the parachute.

“Then, are you saying that you want to take such a high-risk gamble with the first appointment, which will be responsible for the next 10 or 20 years?”

“This is not a gamble…. Ji Maeng-ho does not have the physicality of an Asian!”

Haha. Ji Maeng-ho fell for me like a model. His face is also handsome. Oh, maybe… !”

Aren’t you trying to be handsome? So-young was not so stupid as to not even notice that subtle question. Rather, she was on the side of her head spinning fast enough to graduate from Seoul National University.

“Chief Hong! Are you kidding me? I’m trying to pick a baseball player. Not a model!”

Haha. Still, Ji Maeng-ho is scheduled to be picked roughly around the 2nd and 3rd rounds. I also have a history of injuries, so I think I will probably come down there. Of course, as long as you keep these grades up until the rookie draft!”

Team leader Hong also raised her voice to So-young, who raised her voice as her face blushed.

“Now.”

When the atmosphere seemed to be overheated, the leader in the highest position in this seat intervened between the two.

“I can understand how both team leaders think about the team. Chief Chun. Team leader Hong is a friend with a big heart for the team, so don’t think too highly of it. Manager Hong, you should calm down too. We are on the same team.”

“Sorry.”

“…….”

Team leader Hong’s apology cooled the atmosphere.

“What do you think, Captain?”

But Soyoung wasn’t finished.

“What kind of grain is it?”

“Primary Nomination. What do you think?”

Haha. It’s still our first meeting, so let’s calm down. I lean towards the pitcher side. I am also using Jamsil, the largest stadium in Korea.”

“… Then I will personally write a report on Ji Maeng-ho.”

“Are you Team Leader Chun?”

“Yes. And I hope you will make a decision after reading my report.”

“Aha, this is true. I’ll get it right now.”

So-young finished what she had to say and left her conference room. A few members of her management team followed her out, leaving only front desk staff from baseball players in her meeting room.

“Ha. Oh, she’s a girl who’s never played baseball.”

“I mean.”

“Captain! Don’t say too much, right? AT Thunders is our team. Even if you are the president’s immediate family, you have no right to ruin our team!”

“Chief Hong. Calm down your excitement, isn’t there an operation team member here too?”

“Hey, is Kim Moon-hyun going to cheat on you?”

“Ah, senior. Shall I braid?”

“Chief Hong. Even if the management team leader is annoyed, you should understand. You’re going to be the boss in a few years.”

“Can I stay here until then?”

“Let’s be careful so that we can do that. Still, don’t you like your family’s team?”

“What the…. Big hum. It is. I did all my playing career at AT.”

“Okay. Adjust it like that Just like the president. Isn’t the operation team leader also saying that everything goes well?”

“It’s a bummer to do well. Just like a common female fan, they would just pick players based on their faces. Well, I’m sure the uniforms will sell well.”

“Still, if the operation team leader wants it, shouldn’t it go in that direction? After all, this club is the president’s toy….”

“Isn’t that why we can’t advance to fall baseball for 20 years?”

“I want you to calm down a bit. I’m getting the same heat. But let’s see the reality.”

While the rest of the staff were talking behind their backs, So-young had already started the car and was leaving for Hanche High School.