"He will become a superstar."
Dave Roberts, LA Dodgers manager, said this about catcher Dalton Rushing. This season, Rushing, who made his big league debut, has recorded 11 hits in 52 at-bats with a batting average of .212, 1 home run, 9 RBIs, and 9 runs scored over 18 games. While he appears to still be a work in progress based on his performance, Manager Roberts has clearly seen the qualities of a 'next-generation star catcher' in Rushing who can represent Major League Baseball.
According to 'Dodgers Nation,' which reports on Dodgers news, Manager Roberts noted, "Rushing is a very confident player at the plate, reading the strike zone accurately and not missing his swing timing. He will be a good player for a long time." He also added, "He has the attitude of always believing he is the best option. This is a mindset that can only be seen in true superstars."
In fact, while Rushing's performance may seem ordinary at a glance, he has shown signs of a rebound with a batting average of .333 (5 hits in 15 at-bats) and an OPS of 0.917 over the last five games. What is more important than simple numbers is the content. His swing balance, plate discipline, and ability to respond to opposing pitchers are improving with each game.
On the 29th against the Kansas City Royals, he was silent with 0 hits in 4 at-bats, but Manager Roberts wasn't overly concerned. He emphasized, "True stars maintain their flow even when they don't perform well. Rushing is exactly that type of player."
Rushing's value stands out more in defense and game management than in offense. Yoshinobu Yamamoto started against the Colorado Rockies on the 26th, pitching 5 innings with 1 hit allowed, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts, and no runs for his 7th win of the season. He worked well with Rushing and praised him, stating, "He grasped my strengths and led me properly. Today's result is entirely thanks to his guidance."
Manager Roberts emphasized, "A superstar is not simply defined by talent. There must be a strong mentality, an instinct to win, and a presence that can lead the team. Rushing already possesses the fundamentals of a superstar in this regard."
The Dodgers have the league's top starting catcher in Will Smith, but concerns about the backup catcher persist. Meanwhile, the emergence of Rushing is not as a simple second option, but as a contender for the next starting catcher.
Of course, there is still a long way to go. Improvement is needed in all aspects, including adapting to various pitches from Major League pitchers, making numerous in-game decisions, and executing game plans as a catcher. However, Manager Roberts is confident. He said, "Rushing will grow much more than he is now. He will remain an important name in the Dodgers' catching legacy."
However, Hyeseong Kim is not even given consistent opportunities, let alone being called a 'good player.' Despite performing well with 31 hits in 81 at-bats, a batting average of .383, 2 home runs, 12 RBIs, 16 runs scored, 7 stolen bases, and an OPS of 0.968, he rarely gets chances. Due to Manager Roberts' strict platoon system, he often plays as a pinch hitter, pinch runner, or late-game defensive substitution rather than as a starter. Despite being a utility player who has brought a new breeze to the Dodgers, he is labeled as a platoon player instead of receiving 'star potential.'
The statement that he will 'become a superstar' is not a mere compliment. A single word from the manager can create opportunities, which lead to growth and ultimately determine the direction of that player's career.
Rushing is set to 'become a star' now, while Hyeseong Kim is still 'proving himself.' Is it more important to be a 'beloved talent' than just focusing on performance? The path to becoming a superstar may not rely solely on talent, but shouldn't opportunities be equal?
Among the vast stars of the Dodgers, praise is overflowing on one side, while silence flows on the other. This temperature difference is painfully evident right now.
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