WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL B - KOREA VS JAPAN

March 10, 2023

Kang Chul Lee

Tokyo Dome

Team Korea

Pregame Press Conference

Q. After yesterday's loss, did you have any comment for the players?

KANG CHUL LEE: Yes, I just briefly told them before the game starts, I want them to be content with each individual game. I haven't talked to them, but I sent a message, text message. I didn't have an opportunity to talk with them, but I sent a text message.

Q. Was there any reaction from the players?

KANG CHUL LEE: I'm not sure if I'm supposed to let you know or not.

Q. Today's game is a historical Japan-Korea game. A while ago the Skipper for Team Japan mentioned that this is a game that is Seoul versus Seoul. How do you feel about the game against Japan?

KANG CHUL LEE: Yes, we have a long history, Korea versus Japan, and like Kuriyama-San mentioned, we believe that we have an unseen power, each other, so the result we do not know until the game is played.

Q. You'll face Darvish tonight. Do you have any scouting report, and what impression do you have of Darvish?

KANG CHUL LEE: Yes. All of my offensive players will have enough confidence when we have our at-bats. For the tactics, I cannot tell you more details, but we will do our best. That's all I can say.

Q. Among your players, if you could name individual key players.

KANG CHUL LEE: I'm not supposed to mention the individual name, but for the opponent's roster, probably Ohtani, Shohei Ohtani is one of the most dangerous players on the Japanese roster. In front of Ohtani we are not supposed to put the runner on base, so probably that's the tactics.

Q. For tonight's starter, Kwang-Hyun Kim will be tonight's starter for you. What do you expect from him?

KANG CHUL LEE: Yes, Kwang-Hyun Kim will be an experienced pitcher. I'm expecting him to go for longer innings and also minimize the damage early in the game. That's what is my expectation for him.

Q. Regarding yesterday's loss, do you have any change in the lineup? Also, one of your players made an error last night. What do you expect from him for tonight's game?

KANG CHUL LEE: Talking about the lineups, Baekho Kang, I was expecting him, Baekho Kang, for the first day, too, but since he's not 100 percent condition, Baekho Kang will be the DH for the first game. Baekho Kang will be the backup for tonight.

Let me answer the question about Baekho Kang because we still have the game remaining. Thank you for understanding.

Q. Is Woo Suk Go available for tonight?

KANG CHUL LEE: It is difficult for him to pitch for tonight. Probably for the next round he would most likely be ready, but not for tonight.

Q. Yesterday you lost, and let's say if you were to lose tonight, it's a very serious situation. How do you feel about it? Also, playing in Japan against Japan, it's a historical game. How do you feel about it?

KANG CHUL LEE: Yes, this is not an answerable question.