SAN FRANCISCO — Jung Hoo Lee went more than 300 days in between major-league games after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in early May. It would’ve been reasonable to assume there was rust to be knocked off. But so far, Lee hasn’t missed a beat.
Lee totaled three hits, scored two runs and swiped his third base of the season as the Giants beat the Seattle Mariners, 4-1, on Matt Chapman’s bobblehead night, extending their winning streak to six games and improving to 7-1 for the first time since 2003. Lee, currently in the midst of a six-game hitting streak and batting .321, continued showcasing his defensive value as well, tracking down a deep drive to center field near the warning track. The season remains in its infancy, but the excitement surrounding Lee in the Giants’ clubhouse is palpable.
“I never had a doubt, personally,” said Chapman, who totaled two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored. “I know how hard it can be after missing a whole year. It is impressive that he’s so consistent right away. When you look at his swing and the way he works in the cage, his swing can handle big-league pitching.”
Lee, who is in the second year of a six-year, $113 million deal, does not have the luxury of history against opposing pitchers. Including today, Lee has faced 105 different pitchers since joining the Giants. Chapman, by contrast, has faced 965 different pitchers in his major-league career. Additionally, Lee hasn’t faced a single MLB pitcher at least five times. Despite the lack of an extensive rolodex, Lee has flashed glimpses of the player who won MVP in the KBO.
“I think it just goes to show you how well he’s able to prepare and how good of a player he is,” Chapman said. His bat-to-ball skills are really good. I think that a guy like him that can put the bat on the ball is able to make adjustments really quickly.”
True to Chapman’s assessment, Lee’s bat-to-ball skills are already elite. Lee had a career contact rate of 90.0% entering play, sharing company with the likes of Luis Arraez (93.1%) and Steven Kwan (91.5%). And while Lee makes contact at a slightly lower rate compared to Arraez and Kwan, he hits the ball nearly three miles per hour harder on average.
“On nights like today, it feels like he never missed a beat,” said manager Bob Melvin. “Every game, he seems like his timing is that much better. He’s pulling balls. He’s hitting balls up the middle. He’s hitting them into the left-center field gap. Always balanced. There’s a reason we got him. There’s a reason he’s hitting in the three-hole.”
Added Robbie Ray, who pitched six innings of one-run ball: “We’re super glad to have him out there. He runs everything down. He plays hard, and that’s all he knows how to do. He’s a really special talent to have out there, and we’re very excited for that.”
Lee’s bat-to-ball skills were already established, but the 26-year-old has added a new wrinkle to his game by being aggressive on the bases. Last season, Lee attempted five steals in 37 games and was successful just twice. With the first home stand not yet complete, Lee is already a perfect three-for-three on steals.
San Francisco has already amassed 11 steals due in part to Lee, one of seven teams to already crack double figures. Over the last two combined seasons, by contrast, the Giants have ranked dead last in steals and attempts. Should Lee continue this pace, he could very well become the first Giant to steal at least 30 bases in a single season since Dave Roberts in 2007.
“It’s something that we’ve tried to press a little bit,” Melvin said. “Guys worked on it all spring, getting good jumps and working on backfields with timing and stuff like that. It’s been a key element for us here early in the season.”
Worth noting
- Manager Bob Melvin said the Giants will start treating Birdsong, who tossed two scoreless innings, like a reliever for the time being. The team hoped for Birdsong to piggyback after a starter during their recent series in Houston, but the opportunity never materialized. “I think we’re at the point now where to get him consistent work and keep him sharp, we’re just going to have to treat him as a reliever.”
Originally Published:
Source: Paradise Post
