The Wrath of Kang

[jerichoholicninja]

Boo Pittsburgh.

 

That stadium will sap whatever power he actually does have. As a Brewer fan I wanted to see him playing for Milwaukee (and not another NL Central team). As a baseball fan I would have preferred he go somewhere where he has the chance to put up some power numbers that would be a true result of his talent. In Pittsburgh he's probably going to be labeled as some nondescript slap hitter from the Asian pro's.

[TURBO]

awwww shucks!

[TheCrew07]

Subscriber content but here's BA's scouting report on Kang:

 

Pirates Win Bidding For Korean Shortstop Kang

 

Those numbers are lofty, but the KBO is an extremely high offensive environment, and scouts were skeptical of Kang’s skill set translating into an everyday role in the majors. Kang is strong and has average raw power, with a chance for 15-20 home runs if he plays every day. While Kang is a solid offensive player, the consensus in the international scouting community is that he won’t be an everyday payer. He doesn’t have the range to play shortstop in the majors, and scouts also expressed concerns about his ability to make the routine plays. He has an average arm and could play there in a pinch, but he’s a better defensive fit at second or third base. Kang doesn’t have a plus tool, but there’s enough potential at the plate for him to be an offensive-oriented utility player who starts his U.S. career in the majors.

[jerichoholicninja]

Subscriber content but here's BA's scouting report on Kang:

 

Pirates Win Bidding For Korean Shortstop Kang

 

Those numbers are lofty, but the KBO is an extremely high offensive environment, and scouts were skeptical of Kang’s skill set translating into an everyday role in the majors. Kang is strong and has average raw power, with a chance for 15-20 home runs if he plays every day. While Kang is a solid offensive player, the consensus in the international scouting community is that he won’t be an everyday payer. He doesn’t have the range to play shortstop in the majors, and scouts also expressed concerns about his ability to make the routine plays. He has an average arm and could play there in a pinch, but he’s a better defensive fit at second or third base. Kang doesn’t have a plus tool, but there’s enough potential at the plate for him to be an offensive-oriented utility player who starts his U.S. career in the majors.

 

I would agree with a lot of that about his defense from watching the video I posted at the beginning of the thread, except his hands looked pretty good to me. Arm wasn't great but not terrible, but first step looked slow and range was not very much. He's probably more 3rd base than 2nd or short.