War? Or Festival?
“The first half of the 2040 KBO season has come to a fiery end. Today on Baseball Tomorrow, we're diving into a full recap of the season so far.”
As soon as the host brought up the topic, the panelists jumped in like they'd been waiting for it.
“Let's start with the Western League. As expected, last year's champions, the Guardians, are holding down first place, right?”
“That's right. The West looks completely locked in as the Seoul Guardians' solo run.”
Park Woohyuk, the commentator speaking, had his shoulders puffed up just a bit. He was a legend for the Seoul Guardians.
“A lot of it is their rivals tripping over themselves.”
“The Irons and Fighters lost their aces, and the Castles saw their starting catcher depart.”
“The second-place Irons are trying to catch up, but... it doesn't look easy.”
Park Woohyuk flashed a sly smile as he glanced at Soyanghyun, the commentator from the Pistols.
“The only team in the West without major losses besides the Guardians is the Pistols...”
“Ahem!”
“Yes. The Pistols are still looking pretty rough this season.”
“But they did manage to pass the Dragons!”
The Dragons had a bunch of key players go down with injuries for some reason. In the meantime, the Pistols overtook them and escaped the basement.
“Putting the Pistols aside, the West seems like it'll cruise like this into the second half unless something crazy happens.”
“'Putting aside'?! ”
“Now, now, let's calm down, commentator Soyanghyun.”
The host smoothed over the heated vibe and continued.
“The Guardians holding onto first in the West during the first half— we can't talk about it without mentioning this guy. Player Sim Chando.”
Sim Chando
10 Wins | ERA 1.80
“10 wins in the first half. ERA of 1.8. Stats worthy of Korea's top pitcher.”
“Ahem.”
“Commentator Kang Dongho, hold on a sec. It's not your turn yet.”
Leaving the sheepish Kang Dongho behind, the panel dove into talk about Sim Chando.
“He's showing even more growth this season. Makes you think we might finally see another Korean starter in the majors.”
“Sim Chando can post after next year, right? Same class as Baek Sangyeon.”
“He wasn't into the majors idea before, but lately it seems like his mind's changing.”
“Ho... If commentator Park Woohyuk, who's close with Sim Chando, says so, it's credible.”
“Yeah, well. Seeing a certain stimulating junior made him curious about the majors.”
No one missed who that “stimulating junior” was that Sim Chando mentioned.
“As expected!”
“Not yet, commentator Kang Dongho.”
“...And that's the Western League rundown. Now...”
“Eastern League time! I've been waiting!”
“...As commentator Kang Dongho says, let's talk Eastern League.”
The 2040 KBO Eastern League. The team that had to come up first was, of course.
“Yeah, viewers might be sick of hearing it, but let's start with the Busan Titans.”
“You can't talk East without the Titans this season.”
The Busan Titans.
“They declared the end of rebuilding before the season, but right up until opening day, the negativity was thick.”
“Couldn't be helped. Hardly any KBO team has truly succeeded at 'rebuilding,' and the Titans' situation was pretty ambiguous even if it was over.”
“...Until this guy showed up.”
Jin Yuha
14 Wins | ERA 0.30 | 120+ IP | 8 Complete Games
Single-game & consecutive K's records | 16th No-Hitter No-Run
The screen filled with the profile pic of a pitcher with striking blue eyes.
“Player Jin Yuha.”
“14 wins. ERA 0.30. Over 120 innings, and a whopping 8 complete games.”
“That's not all. He set single-game and consecutive strikeout records, and threw the league's 16th no-hitter.”
“Truly living up to his Record Breaker nickname.”
The panelists gaped in awe at the unreal stats for a moment.
“Heh heh...”
Only Kang Dongho, Titans legend, was grinning ear to ear.
“With aces Jin Yuha and James Gilbert leading the way, plus firepower from Kang Gihoo