 |
| Velazquez's bright smile at the interview. Reporter Kim Young-rok |
|
 |
| Lotte's new foreign pitcher Velazquez poses in his uniform while the game between SSG and Lotte, which was scheduled to be held at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 9th, has been canceled due to rain. Busan = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.09/ |
|
 |
| Lotte's new foreign pitcher Velazquez is talking about a game between SSG and Lotte at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 8th. Busan = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.08/ |
|
Lotte Giants' new foreigner Vince Velazquez has made his first greeting.
Velazquez, who met at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 9th, carefully conducted an interview. Even in the midst of a fairly heavy rain, I felt the veteran's relaxation as he warmed up by playing catch with a bright smile.
"I'm here to win. I want to help Lotte's fall baseball" reveals his aspirations and responds calmly to sensitive questions such as two elbow surgeries. "It may look scary because of the tattoo, but it turns out that I'm a nice guy," he said, even asking for a hot handshake.
Before the interview, Velazquez said "It's an honor to be part of Lotte. I believe it will be a good time for me. "I know well that Lotte is currently in third place and competing for autumn baseball. I will be a supportive player for the team."
 |
| Lotte's new foreign pitcher Velazquez is playing catch while the game between SSG and Lotte, which was scheduled to be held at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 9th, has been canceled due to rain. Busan = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.09/ |
|
About how I felt when I first received the offer to go to Korea "To be honest, I felt a little strange and scary, but of course I thought it was a good opportunity," he smiled. I heard a lot about Korea because I'm very close to Dan Staley (former Lotte) and Colerbin (Doosan Bears). He played with Bae during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023. Kim Ha-sung and Choi Ji-man also know. He explained, "I also have experience with Choo Shin-soo himself."
"Bae Ji-hwan told me to tell you if I needed anything. They all advised that it is important for Korea to get used to culture and atmosphere outside of baseball."
In 2011 and 2023, he underwent Tommy John surgery twice (reconstruction-exchange surgery of the inner ligament of the elbow). Because of this, his big league career was cut off. He took a full break in 2024, and stayed in Triple-A of the Cleveland Guardians minor league this year.
 |
| SSG won the game between SSG and Lotte 1-0 at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 8th. Velazquez and Reyes, who come to the ground after the game to greet their fans. Busan= Reporter wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.08/ |
|
In fact, some in the baseball community say, `I don't know why Lotte recruited VelazquezThere is also talk of '. It is pointed out that the risk is a big choice.
Therefore, they may be sensitive to elbow stories. However, he answered calmly without being sensitive to repeated questions. Velazquez understands that such a thing can be said. I had a medical test today, and I am currently in a stable condition. I have confidence that I can show a competitive appearance.'
"I'm a person, too. There were frustrating and hard times. But you have to overcome it as a professional. I want to show leadership to adapt and communicate with the team and lead the team. "I'll do my best to show that he's a different player from those concerns, even though he's 33 years old, he's had two elbow surgeries."
 |
| Lotte's new foreign pitcher Velazquez is playing catch while the game between SSG and Lotte, which was scheduled to be held at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 9th, has been canceled due to rain. Busan = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.09/ |
|
Velazquez may be quite tired after entering the country the day before, but he watched all the games the day before Lotte lost 0-1 on an empty stomach with three hits. "I was going to watch only one or three episodes because I was tired, but the cheering culture different from that of the United States was interesting, and when I watched the game, I felt the adrenaline going around. Also, I wanted to observe Korean baseball more because there was not much time left until the 12th", he explained.
"Although I lost yesterday, Na Kyun-an's good pitching was impressive. I especially liked how he aggressively attacked John. Him??It depends on the situation, but I want to show you the aggressive and unavoidable side that the director wants"I don't like to lose. I don't like my team losing as well as me. I came here to win. I really wanted to tell this story."
Regarding the KBO official ball, "It's my first time playing catch ball today", but "The ball is smaller than that of the United States, and the seed is thicker." It seems to fit well in your hand. I will try to make it an advantage."
 |
| Lotte's new foreign pitcher Velazquez is talking about a game between SSG and Lotte at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 8th. Busan = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.08/ |
|
"Lotte has a lot of young players. If there's anything I can do for you, I'll help you as much as I can. I had a long talk with Kim Won-joong yesterday as well. I know what baseball means in Busan, and I also know how important this is."
He was talking very seriously, saying, `Do I look like I don't have any ups and downs? Business-wise, he's a pretty tight-knit guy. Also, I want to be more competitive than anyone else on the mound. Usually, he smiled broadly, saying, "Nice guy."
When asked about a memorable moment in his career, he sat down with a smile.
"I pitched more than 700 innings (763 ⅔) in the Major League alone. A lot of memories come to mind. But what I want to say here is that I came to Korea, not the United States. I want to make new memorable moments here. I will answer this question again after the end of this season."
 |
| Lotte's new foreign pitcher Velazquez poses in his uniform while the game between SSG and Lotte, which was scheduled to be held at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 9th, has been canceled due to rain. Busan = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.09/ |
|
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
