[Baseball] Ace Closer Enjoying ‘Zero’ Success in Japan

Japanese media have dubbed ace relief pitcher Lim Chang-yong “Mr. Zero” for his stinginess in giving up runs.

The stellar closer could break a run of lackluster performances by Korean players.

In his first season in Japan, 32-year-old Lim has emerged as the invincible guardian of the Yakult Swallows. Korean fans had lost interest in Japanese baseball after slugger Lee Seung-yeop was demoted to the minors there, but Lim is rekindling their attention.

In his first nine games, Lim pitched nine shutout innings and registered six saves, leading the Japanese media to nickname him “Mr. Zero.”

Making his pro debut in Korea in 1995, Lim had a career record of 104-66 with 168 saves over his 13-year career in his country. He alternated between starter and closer, but never disappointed coaches or fans.

That changed after Lim underwent elbow surgery in 2005. He won only one game in 2006 and went 5-7 last year.

Yakult had originally sought to use Lim as one of two closers, but things have changed dramatically. Manager Shigeru Takada has praised Lim, saying, “He’s way better than expected.”

A Japanese newspaper last month said the key to Lim’s 156-kilometer fastball lies in his use of heavier balls while training. Lim uses 159 gram balls, about twice as heavy as those used in a game.

Another daily attributed his success to his ever-changing pitching form. Lim can throw sidearm or in other ways.

Most Korean players have also had a tough time in their first year in Japan. Pitcher Sun Dong-yeol botched his debut in 1996, moving up and down from the minors with a 5.50 ERA. Pitcher Lee Sang-hoon recorded a 4.68 ERA with only one win in 1998.

Jeong Min-cheol posted 4.82 with two wins in 2000 and Jeong Min-tae (no relation) notched only two wins and a dismal 6.16 ERA a year later.

Perhaps Lim can set a new precedent of success for Korean players in Japan this season.