After leaving '4 billion FA', head coach Lee Seung-yeop properly clenched his teeth, saying, "We're weak? I'll show you that the evaluation is wrong."

After leaving '4 billion FA', head coach Lee Seung-yeop properly clenched his teeth, saying, "We're weak? I'll show you that the evaluation is wrong."

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Doosan Bears coach Lee Seung-yeop (49) announced his goal of advancing to the Korean Series in the final year of his contract.

"My goal was to play in the Korean Series when I was inaugurated," coach Lee Seung-yeop told reporters after the club's inaugural ceremony at Jamsil Stadium on Tuesday. "I still feel the same way. Our team can do it."스포츠토토

Lee began his first professional career as a coach by taking the helm of Doosan Bears ahead of the 2023 season. The contract period was three years, with a total of 1.8 billion won (down payment of 300 million won, annual salary of 500 million won). At the time, Lee said at the inauguration ceremony, "I want to play baseball in the Korean Series within three years, which is the contract period. Then, I think I will achieve my first goal as a manager."

Prior to Lee's inauguration, Doosan finished ninth with 60 wins, 82 losses and two draws (0.423) in the 2022 season. As soon as Lee took office, Doosan ranked fifth (74 wins, 68 losses and two draws, 0.521 winning percentage) in the 2023 season. Coincidentally, Doosan posted 74 wins, 68 losses and two draws in the 2024 season, the same as in the 2023 season, and its ranking has risen further to fourth. However, in both seasons, Doosan suffered from being eliminated from the wild card game.

All of Doosan's players and coaching staff, including coach Lee, will play again to revive its reputation. The goal is to win the Korean Series. To do so, Doosan needs to advance to the Korean Series.

Manager Lee said, "Many other teams have strengthened their power, but many people believe that we have not strengthened them. However, the team has a competitive structure. Young pitchers who stood out last year are still in good shape. If foreigners' one-two punch holds the center well, I think the first to third starters, including Kwak Bin, are among the best in the league."

Doosan has undergone significant changes in its infield lineup compared to the previous season. Kim Jae-ho, the main shortstop, announced his retirement from active duty, saying goodbye to the friendly ground. Heo Kyung-min, the main third baseman, also signed a four-year contract with KT Wiz for a total of 4 billion won (1.6 billion won in down payment, 1.8 billion won in annual salary, and 600 million won in option). Some critics say Doosan is a weak team.

However, the coach put trust in the team's strength even after the veteran player's retirement. "If I had decided that the team had weakened, I would have asked the team to reinforce it," Lee said. "He has kept his position as third baseman for over 10 years. However, since he was eliminated in an instant, naturally, the gap is bound to be huge. However, no one would think that he is not allowed to take this position (third base)."

"After the news of Huh Kyung-min's contract came out, the eyes of the players changed from the next day (at the closing camp). It seems that he showed a stronger commitment to take the position. As I could not afford to sit through one of them, my eyes changed and I thought it would not be bad to see him exercising," Lee continued. "There are some players who showed good performance while playing for the first team last year. We also need to check whether Kang Seung-ho has settled down to the third base. Our coaching staff will watch and see the possibilities of those players in the spring camp."

Lee said, "We showed a little sluggish performance in the main lineup last year. However, it would be nice if foreign players settled in well and stayed tuned for a year. It may always be hope, but I have a good idea. That's why I don't think I'm weak. Let's take a look."

"I will play 2025 with new players and with a renewed mind. I don't want to have negative thoughts already. I want to have positive thoughts all the time. I have to prove that the evaluations made by our players, our staff, and baseball players are wrong by uniting with the front desk. That's all I can do," Lee said, renewing his commitment.