Stove League (2019–…): Season 1, Episode 6 - Episode #1.6 - full transcript
This drama is fiction
and the elements of the story
have no relation to reality.
We have high goals.
We'll give up Andy.
Let's look at the video
of the foreign players.
Miles? How much is he worth?
We're in talks for 500,000 dollars.
I'm Robert Gil and I'm here
to serve as a guide.
There hasn't been a time when
a foreign player contract ended easily,
so I'm a bit worried.
He says the price went up overnight.
Double the price all of a sudden? No way.
That's being too selfish.
we'd be taking Miles at the right price.
Mr. Oh Sa-hoon, do you want to make a bet?
Who's laughing now?
You've got quite the translator.
You don't know Gil Chang-ju?
Robert Gil is Gil Chang-ju.
I'm legally American now.
If you think about going back to Korea...
Who would recruit a player like me?
People see me as the guy who
evaded military service.
This is just wrong!
Are you to be blamed the whole season?
Do you think we can sign
a better foreign player for $500,000?
I couldn't see the problem,
so I requested it be discharged.
Mr. Gil.
Do you really not have any reason
to be desperate?
I can play baseball again.
I told you I could bet
that we would be the ones to smile first.
Chin up.
This is not even a big deal.
Let's go.
PRESS CONFERENCE 2019
I'm Reporter Kim Jung-gu
of Financial Modern.
Let me make my question
short and straight to the point.
Why is it Gil Chang-ju?
Well,
he can throw a strong fastball
to wherever he wants.
That's the kind of player he is.
Did you consider
what the people would think?
We brought the best player we could choose
although his past isn't so ideal.
I'm Jung Soon-geun of Jungdong Daily.
Mr. Gil became an American citizen
to avoid military duty.
If he gets to play baseball again
in this country,
other Korean men will
most likely feel deprived.
What will you do about it?
Jungdong Daily?
I won't deny that Mr. Gil played
a role in that sense of deprivation.
I'm aware of it,
and he's aware of it too.
Right, he will have to bear with criticism
that's much harsher than other people
like the sons of media owners
or politicians
who were exempted from military duty
for excuses like essential hypertension.
But you know what?
There was a young baseball player
with a promising future.
He was selected as the ace player
of the national youth team.
He played in a total of four games,
including two preliminaries.
He was the winning pitcher
for the semi-finals,
and for the finals,
he was the relief pitcher.
His team won the championship,
but unfortunately, he injured his elbow.
He went to the States for surgery
and focused on rehab.
After the rehab,
his results came out.
NINE WINS THIS SEASON
Then he finally got recognized.
However,
he was faced with the time
to join the army
when he became a promising rookie
in the major league.
Around that time, there was a survey
for which 70 percent of the answers
favored naturalization.
Are you saying
his naturalization was just?
I do not think it was just,
and that is why
I'm making it a long story.
-What?
-Goodness.
Can I ask you one last question?
I'm Kim Young-chae of Baseball Is Life.
There might be a way
for him to be forgiven.
What do you think about him
serving in the army now?
Due to time constraints,
we'll end the press conference here.
You may get up.
-Hey.
-Please answer.
Please answer the question.
If you end it now, it seems like
you're running away.
You're right. We're running away.
You have to face them head on.
We all came here determined.
I don't know how to fight
with my hands tied.
We fight when we know how to win.
I have something I'd like to say.
Say it later. Let's go.
AMERICAN GIL CHANG-JU COMES BACK
Will the Dreams rise back up?
I said we'd be willing
to pay up to $900,000.
Yes, you did.
But they used only 500,000
and brought a lousy one?
But...
he's played in the major league.
If he were that great,
why would he come for only 500,000?
His price represents his skills.
Yes, that's true.
Then, when Baek Seung-soo comes,
do I have to compliment him
or scold him?
I think we need to see first
how the public opinion is.
No, I think
I should compliment him
for showing some clueless courage.
Baek Seung-soo.
He's a bit...
strange, isn't he?
Aware of the controversy
surrounding Gil Chang-ju avoiding
his military service, the Dreams
held a press conference.
General Manager Baek Seung-soo showed
his conviction regarding the player.
-You're home.
-Yes. How have you been?
Did you not eat yet?
You must be tired.
I'll prepare the food today.
Thanks.
Gosh.
As I prepare the food, you should relax
and take out the presents.
It doesn't have to be
anything heartfelt or serious.
It just has to be expensive.
HIGH SCHOOL
Seung-soo, let's eat.
Yes.
I didn't crave any Korean food
when I was away,
so I thought I was very American
in that sense.
But I was wrong.
I was forgetting this taste.
How dirty.
Talk after eating.
I might be on TV tomorrow.
Can you take out a beauty mask?
No one would notice even if you had
five watermelon seeds on your face.
Do you have to say it like that?
Hey, are you sure
you brought the right person?
There's a lot of controversy.
He's a good person who takes
responsibility.
-If he had responsibility--
-Mom.
We should stand by his side, at least.
And apart from that,
he has a strong sense
of responsibility for his family.
That's why he worked
as a coordinator to earn money.
At night, he'd train.
He'll do well.
How would you know?
That's how your dad was like.
After knowing you were in my belly,
he brought home the most money
he ever did. Here.
Before I was born, Dad was
too much of a playboy.
But when he has
a heavy burden on his shoulders,
you have to believe and be at ease.
Even if he doesn't play well,
don't blame him too much.
Don't feel sympathy for him!
He gets paid way more than me!
Way more!
It's because you get paid too little!
There you go again talking about my pay.
ROBERT GIL
Sir.
Look who's here.
Didn't we have more journalists
expected to come?
Just looking at the press conference,
it didn't seem like he'd answer
any tough questions.
I guess the journalists
weren't feeling it either.
Let's wait.
-Wait for what?
-Our hidden card.
Hello!
Hello!
-Hello.
-Have you been well?
Yes.
This is our operations manager.
I know of Ms. Lee Se-young.
We met at the conference
and before that as well.
How did you know her?
If I didn't know the first female
operations manager
in our country, I should quit
my job. Am I wrong?
But at the press conference,
you were too mean.
I was?
I only asked a question
that everyone was curious about.
If you were considerate
of Gil Chang-ju,
you didn't have to ask that question
as soon as he returned to Korea.
-Hello, everyone.
-Hello, sir.
Hello, everyone.
Hello, sir.
-Excuse me.
-Yes.
Is it hard to get an interview?
Do you think I would have
asked only once or twice
when it was you who wants the interview?
-He says he doesn't want to.
-Then, I'll ask myself,
-face to face.
-What?
Hello, Mr. Baek. I'm Kim Young-chae.
Yes. Hello.
Confirm with the strategy analysis team
if their cameras are ready.
Yes, sir.
-A hidden card?
-Yes, a hidden card.
I have a lot of questions.
You can go through the PR team.
So you can reject it through the PR team?
Yes.
The Dreams is the club that's
preparing for the biggest changes.
Is there a reason
you're not replacing the manager?
It must be similar to the reason
the producer isn't replacing you.
I appreciate your kind words.
I'll officially be rejected
through the PR team.
-I'm nervous.
-Are they paying you more
-for pitching better balls?
-Mr. Baek said
that everyone will be convinced why
he brought me as the season begins.
But...
I'd like to convince them right now.
I don't think I should let him be
criticized because of me anymore.
May I throw the ball
with maximum strength?
Do you think any team would keep us
in check or analyze us
just because you're pitching
a little bit better?
Just pitch as you always do.
Mr. Gil Chang-ju,
please tell us how you feel
about your return to Korea.
For letting me stand on this mound,
for all the reporters
paying attention to me,
and for calling me Gil Chang-ju,
not Robert Gil,
I appreciate it all.
Yes.
You've just shown us
some positive pitches.
It feels like I'm sparing words
of praise by saying "positive."
I'll say it directly. Those were
very powerful pitches.
Thank you.
Before that,
I'd like to apologize first.
There is no excuse for the fact that
I've let down many baseball fans.
And I'll accept any criticism
on that matter.
I sincerely apologize again.
Let's wrap it up. Good work, everyone.
Hey.
Hey. I constantly search my name
and the name of our group
just like those kids nowadays.
-And what is going on?
-Well, sir.
The firm's name keeps coming up
in the sports section.
What do we do?
I apologize.
Why are they making a fuss
for something useless and of no profit?
I apologize.
Did you bring a troublemaker from the US?
Yes, the general manager has been
causing a bit of trouble recently.
But it's all part of the plan.
On a larger scale,
it's going as you have wished.
Kyung-min.
Yes, sir.
You're good at your job
because we're related by blood.
You know that, right?
Boy, what if they win the championship?
My father was complimenting you yesterday.
Relax.
What did he say?
-That you're better than your father.
-Hey!
I mean
that's what my father said.
Fine.
-It's like you're going to bite me.
-Don't be dramatic.
Dramatic?
Let's not do this to each other.
We're cousins.
We should be friendly to each other.
And our objectives are different in scale.
I didn't say anything.
Let's just go eat.
DREAMS
And so?
I'm afraid that
I won't be able to work any longer.
All right.
STRATEGY ANALYSIS TEAM LEADER,
YOO KYUNG-TAEK
The interview of Gil Chang-ju
by Kim Young-chae will be
broadcast the week after next week.
Chang-ju can pitch balls well for sure.
Young-chae said his pitches were
the best among what she saw
around the clubs this winter.
Were you there
for the interview she was doing?
Yes, of course.
-Any problematic questions?
-I told her repeatedly.
It was mainly focused on today's pitching,
and his resolution for the future.
I know she adds some
personal opinions in the studio
outside the interview.
Are you also her fan?
That's the secret to her popularity.
She engages viewers with her journalism.
And also,
she's pretty.
The opinions that she adds in the studio
could get us in trouble.
No way.
She won't be giving up her chance
to cover our club.
Have you told her not to?
No.
She'll keep hitting our sore spots
and think it's journalism.
Should I call her?
No.
I'll...
make sure.
The salary negotiation
of our players is coming soon.
As soon as I get the raw data
regarding the negotiation,
I'll hand it over.
RAW DATA
Yes.
We'll prepare to get the data.
It'll be arduous.
Because upper management
thinks players are
obsessed with money
when they're not even good,
the total amount of salaries is
low considering our bad record.
But it's something we get done
somehow every year.
And
Lee Jin-bum of the strategy analysis team
-decided to quit.
-Jin-bum?
But he was a reliable employee.
His family runs a big orchard,
and he went there.
An orchard?
That is some reason to quit.
The employees of your division are
being replaced quite often.
Kids these days can't stand long
if you treat them too harshly.
We need someone who can work longer.
For the scout and strategy analysis teams,
it's never good to change staff often.
-Isn't it?
-How about
we hire one
through open recruitment this time?
Why?
Jin-bum used to handle data,
so rather than a former player...
It's someone that I can work with.
I know that. That's why
I'm just suggesting.
Since we're at it,
I think our teams are too closed
when it comes to sabermetrics.
If the experts in that area apply
for the job,
it wouldn't hurt to talk to them once.
How would I work
with someone I don't know?
I've never interfered in the recruitment
of the operations team,
and I don't plan to in the future.
I prefer not to work with someone
who hasn't struck out anyone
or hit a home run before.
Whether it's black or white,
a cat merely has to hunt mice well.
I also haven't struck out anyone
or hit a home run before.
In the major league,
the number of coaches
who weren't athletes is growing.
Also, an analyst works close
to the players.
In the Pelicans,
I know that a sabermetrics expert is
working as an analyst.
And they're not doing so bad.
I believe
someone with experience in playing
baseball sees things better.
I still practice batting
every morning. Do you know why?
I wouldn't know.
The players won't even listen to me
if I'm not in shape.
No matter how hard I try
to analyze the data
and tell them to fix this and that
with the videos,
they still say they know
their own bodies best.
And you think an ordinary person
could tell them
what to do because they've
watched a few baseball videos?
Do you think they'd listen?
If it were me, I'd rather fix
their wrong conception
instead of changing myself
to their standard.
Let's do an open recruitment.
Have the one you recommended apply too.
Let's end our meeting here.
-Good work.
-Thanks.
He says catching a mouse is
all that matters.
I can catch your balls
with my eyes closed.
What? Hey.
Don't you know
I'm just playing catch with you?
Really? Then throw it properly this time.
All right.
I'm retired, but I still have my skills.
Here I go.
All right.
Are you okay?
Are you hurt? Let me see.
I knew this would happen.
Let's stop for today.
You're hurt, so don't pay me
for today's lesson.
Come on. It was my fault.
I still need to pay you.
I see you are sensible
the more I get to know you.
You're cool too.
-You know that?
-Goodness.
Why are you so enthusiastic?
I'm not.
It's true that all of my students
like baseball.
But none of them takes lessons
often and consistently like you.
-You don't even spare yourself.
-You see,
I might grow to like it
-if I do this.
-Like what? Baseball?
Well,
-something similar.
-Softball?
Gosh, I won't pay.
Jae-hee, about the data
sent by the strategy analysis team...
Why are you laughing?
Do you feel his void?
No.
-He knows how to earn his keep.
-Look at you.
You gave him a hard time
for his connections.
Is he helpful now?
Connections...
THE DREAMS OPEN RECRUITMENT, 2016,
WAITING ROOM
-Hello.
-Hello.
-Go to that side.
-Thank you.
Is he the one who our CEO
mentioned? Han Jae-hee.
Right, from Jaesong Group.
VERIFICATION SLIP
Mr. Han Jae-hee.
Oh, hello.
-Mr. Han Jae-hee?
-Yes.
-Thank you for coming.
-It's my pleasure.
What's your resolution in applying
for our franchise?
That I'll work hard.
Is there any department you want to join?
What departments do you have?
A lot. Operations team is one.
Then I'll choose that department.
You're so confident
unlike the other applicants.
-That's not true.
-I like it.
What's your problem?
-Do you have a death wish?
-What are you saying?
Why do you think the other applicants
are here?
I don't understand.
They studied much harder than you
and are desperate to get a job,
but they won't get hired
because of some jerk like you.
You jerk using connections.
Apologize to those people
before you go home.
And you.
Don't come even if you get hired.
I'll never let that happen.
But if you pass just in case,
don't come.
Or I'll kill you.
Darn, what was that?
Wait.
Hey, Mr. Connections.
Gosh.
What?
You didn't get hired through connections,
so why did you answer?
Are you drunk?
-Then go home quietly.
-Hey, you little...
You didn't favor
from your connections because of me.
Why are you bringing that up again?
You applied again after a year.
Did you feel wronged about it?
No.
I thought it would be better
than being hired like that
and getting nagged.
I knew someone would give me a hard time.
Why are you here? Isn't it your vacation?
This isn't Europe or anything.
I have a lot of work,
and my direct superior
is super slow at work.
I just can't go home.
You little...
How much have you done?
I'm about to do it now.
Then stop patronizing me.
Mr. Baek.
Didn't you leave work?
Is the analyst done taking resumes?
Yes, would you like to check them?
-Do we have a lot of applicants?
-No.
It took place in a rush,
so about ten people applied.
Let's interview them tomorrow.
All of them?
It's better we interview them all
because there aren't many.
-Okay.
-Good.
I'm home.
Hi.
Why don't you talk to me in person?
It's your exam tomorrow. Is that it?
Let's talk later.
Is it fun playing baseball?
Yes, it's fun. But...
But what?
It's true that I like baseball,
but I'm confused why I'm doing this
because I play baseball all the time.
Young-soo.
Don't be weak, you punk.
Have you ever seen me
come home early and rest up?
No.
It's a battle out in the world.
At least, you're doing what you like.
-Right.
-Good.
Any other concerns?
-Nothing.
-Deal with your odor first.
Go tell Mom to get you some strawberries.
I bought them on my way home.
AVG, OBP, SLG, OPS
SEASON RECORDS, 2019
YAMANSE
THE HEAT CHANGES EVERYTHING, EVEN BASEBALL
As for hitters to begin with,
YEAR, AVG, OBP, SLG, ISO, HRP
It's scientifically proven.
You don't seem well today.
You don't have to pass the exam.
I need to.
When you become an actuary,
let's save money together
and have our parents
move to a closer place.
Why? Do you feel burdened?
A little burden is needed, you punk.
I'm leaving. Oh...
Don't struggle traveling,
and just take a taxi.
Bye.
Good luck.
Can I let the first interviewee come in?
Yes.
I saw on your resume
that you're studying sabermetrics.
-That's right.
-I'll ask you a question about it.
Tell us anything you know
about the least sample records
that can evaluate a batter's ability.
Are you referring to the domestic league?
It's different depending on the index.
Right, you know.
It changes according to which
analytical technique you use,
but as far as I know,
about 200 at-bats for strikeouts,
400 at-bats for 4 balls,
and 300 at-bats for SLG.
HITTER'S BATTING PRODUCTIVITY
Then in terms of the major league,
the sample should be...
As far as I know,
fewer samples are needed.
-Why is that?
-Well...
I'm not sure.
WAITING ROOM
Think of it as an experience
even if you fail.
You've studied hard.
What's the answer
to your question earlier?
There's no definite answer to it.
I just wanted to see him
interpret the statistics.
Where did you learn
things like that?
I read books.
I also often check Yamanse for reference.
RESUME
It's okay. I'll try it on my own.
Hello.
Hello.
Shall we begin the interview?
BAEK YOUNG-SOO
I'll deliver it for you.
Thank you.
THE HEAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Gosh.
Are you Robinson of Yamanse?
You wrote "The Heat Changes
Everything, Even Baseball"
and the post
about the Pythagorean winning data.
Right?
You don't know him?
I don't.
Oh, I see. He's really famous.
I'm Baek Young-soo and I often post
on Yamanse using my ID Robinson.
I chose a few articles
about the team performance analysis
from the things I've written so far.
You wrote a lot.
By the way,
is this really helpful
for the team performance?
You must be the strategy
analysis team leader.
-You're right.
-I'm sure
you already apply sabermetrics
when analyzing the statistics.
You make and gather the detailed
stats of each player, right?
But you make different choices
based on how you interpret data.
You would know it well
if you've ever played baseball.
There are so many reasons people don't see
beyond the numbers.
Most players that hit a slump
all of a sudden
turn out to have personal issues
with their girlfriend or family.
But sabermetrics has no clue
about such issues, right?
Among all the sports,
I think baseball is the best one
to be analyzed by numbers.
In basketball, volleyball, and football,
all the plays are easily
affected by other players' moves.
But for baseball, players can make
strikeouts and hits
without the help of other players.
Not introducing sabermetrics
in modern baseball
is the same as not willing to be healthy.
Even if you study sabermetrics,
you don't get an official diploma.
So if you're not getting a job
in this field,
you'd feel there is too much to study.
Seung-soo, what are you doing?
If I
quit baseball,
can you teach me how to study?
Young-soo.
You're talented in baseball
more than any other thing.
You're not smart that way.
-Hello? Young-soo, I need to go.
-Seung-soo,
I have a game today.
Yes. And what?
And my pelvis started hurting
since yesterday.
I heard that suffering from pain
is inevitable
for all players as they use
explosive energy at once.
Young-soo, don't look back
and look forward.
Just go forward, okay?
Tell me how many hits you made
after the game.
To my knowledge, even the Sabers,
the champion of last season,
didn't fully adopt sabermetrics.
Many think the same as you
because the Sabers didn't hire
regular workers for stat analysis.
But as far as I know,
they have two contract workers
designated for the task,
and the two refused
to work as regular workers for the team.
And their wages were raised
a lot recently.
Do you think those who studied
the mere numbers
can work for baseball teams
even if they have
not made a strikeout or hit a homer?
I've made strikeouts and hit homers.
Not your neighborhood league.
No, not in my neighborhood league.
DAESUNG HIGH SCHOOL
Daesung High School?
Yes. Also, I believe
if there's anyone who hasn't
made a home run or a strikeout
but knows sabermetrics better than me,
he should be hired instead of me.
You're very confident.
Of course, the analytical skills
are not always
directly related to the team's standing.
There are also many other factors
that determine the standing.
However, for the Dreams
that has neglected statistics,
I'm sure it can give
some substantial help.
WAR is regarded
as one of the most important statistics
when it comes to sabermetrics.
Can you tell me why hitters usually
show higher WAR than pitchers
while many say pitchers matter
the most in baseball?
That's the point.
That's the reason why we don't
trust these numbers in the field.
The first reason is that hitters
do both hitting and defense
at the same time.
So, the starting pitchers' WAR
is not much lower
than the hitters.
But middle relief pitchers have
really low WAR.
But aren't their roles
really important to win games?
Right. So I think we should use
WPA, the win probability added,
instead of WAR
to evaluate the performance
of middle relief pitchers
in a more accurate way.
You don't have any questions to ask?
How high do you think the doorsill is?
The doorsill you just crossed.
The doorsill
you barely managed to cross
with someone else's help in the end.
I think it'd be
about six centimeters high.
Everything,
including such a trivial thing,
would be tough if you work for us.
Mr. Baek.
He should understand it exactly first
to accept whatever decision we'd make.
I really like Jackie Robinson.
That's why my ID is Robinson.
He's the first African American
player in MLB.
He had to fight against
the unfair calls of umpires,
and many pitchers hit him on purpose
just because he was African American.
It's total nonsense in this day and age.
If you hire me, I'd be
the first disabled baseball analyst.
The press would eagerly write
stories about me.
Such stories aren't what we are after--
I want you to know this.
If you don't hear good news from us,
that means we found someone
more competent than you.
We won't give you a disadvantage
because you are different.
I trust you.
-Let me ask one more question...
-You got injured.
Tell us what happened.
Sorry?
Young-soo,
don't look back and look forward.
Just go forward, okay?
I got injured during a baseball game.
You'll have to watch
countless game recordings.
The recordings of real games.
You might think you'd still be
in the field if that didn't happen.
Also, you must easily recall
the moment you crashed
and all the ugly memories.
Can you handle it?
I can.
Would your family also want that?
My family doesn't know.
This is what I want,
and that's why I'm doing this.
Because I'm fine.
Applicant Baek Young-soo is
my younger brother.
I wasn't aware he applied, nor do I
hope for his employment.
Please judge it
as objectively as possible.
But I don't think
you have judged it objectively.
He must have considered how I would
rate him before he came here.
Even though it's your brother,
you crossed the line earlier.
Even though he could guess
why you would talk to him that way.
We have no choice.
I'll just announce the result
based on the scores.
Why? What did he say?
Shush.
BAEK YOUNG-SOO
BAEK YOUNG-SOO, DAESUNG HIGH
The immoderate advance that ended
the career of a rising star.
There has been a sad accident
during the match
Tolerating an injury led to severe injury.
I hope no more incident like that
Mr. Baek!
Hold on.
I checked the heights
of the doorsills in our office.
We have eight doors with thresholds
of less than 2cm,
or don't have one.
He can pass these doors in the wheelchair.
We can also install ramps
on the doors with higher thresholds.
We can solve the problem
with a much cheaper budget
than installing new doors.
I still won't hire him.
We have to hire someone
who can assist and protect you.
Who would assist whom?
Please just do as much work
as others in your position.
Who's protecting whom?
What are you doing?
You always say your piece and just leave.
Fine. Say what you want.
Your brother was
a good player.
That past doesn't exist.
RESUME
Have you read his resume thoroughly?
Do you think we're this close
to talk about these things?
I'd like to stop talking about my family.
I'm talking about hiring an employee
of the strategy analysis team right now.
You made me realize
that you don't know all about him
even though you two are close.
RESUME
It doesn't say anything about him
going through a hard time, does it?
But you can tell.
With that one line where it says
he majored in statistics,
he deserves to be applauded.
No company hires an employee
because of a line in their resume.
You're working in the sport
which got your brother injured.
You must not have come here
with no determination or hesitation.
But...
don't you think your brother would have
made a tougher decision
than the decision you had to make?
-Get out.
-Young-soo has been
walking on eggshells around you,
hasn't he?
I know you're doing this
because you're worried,
but your brother has been overcoming
his hardships
so amazingly that it's unbelievable.
You should admit to his courage
to some degree.
Did you know?
Young-soo had already overcome his injury,
and he has been waiting for you
this whole time.
GENERAL MANAGER BAEK SEUNG-SOO
OF DREAMS SPARKS A NEW WAVE.
Since when have you been writing it?
It's been a while.
You deceived your family.
I haven't lied about anything
except that I like baseball.
-I worked hard.
-Hey.
I've been telling you to study
so that you can live
-a better life--
-I was sick of baseball
when I was an athlete.
But after this happened to me,
it's become fun watching baseball.
So I was going to tell you last time.
I'm okay with watching baseball now.
-Then why didn't you tell me?
-You threw it all away.
Everything related to baseball.
You always spit at and cursed baseball.
How am I supposed
to tell you that I like it?
-But that's what made you--
-Although you always say so,
you think it happened because of you.
It's been so many years.
Do you think anyone in this country
can hide from baseball?
Then why did you enter a baseball club?
The baseball manager won't let his brother
watch a baseball game.
How hypocritical is that?
Then who would make money?
What can't a man do to make money?
Someone has to make money.
Stop saying that stuff!
Don't you know we live
in a nightmare to watch you
devote your whole life to our family?
I'm the one who can't walk.
Why should you have a sense of guilt,
and why do I have to wait for you?
I'm out of the nightmare.
Why are you still in there looking at me?
"I'll make the sacrifice. You find
a secure job somewhere else."
Isn't that it?
Do you know how suffocating it is
to hear that?
Do I have to be this self-conscious
for all of us to be happy?
Snap out of it already, please!
Fine.
You don't have to hire me.
So let's live a brighter life.
It wasn't your fault.
Do you think
you'd not be able to blame yourself
if you were me?
Yes.
Because it's really not your fault.
If you were the only one
who was hurt, it'd be different.
But that's not true.
I was...
I was...
We still have to see his progress.
But he has so many bruises on his body.
Do you know what happened?
No.
He's a baseball player, right?
I think there's been physical punishment.
His ankle was severely swollen
where it's not relevant to his injury.
It wouldn't have been easy for him
to run that fast.
MESSAGE INBOX
Young-soo.
Everyone is going through a hard time.
Let's only look forward, okay?
You're the pride of our family.
What are you going to do about the result?
GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE
Come in.
DREAMS COME TRUE
Oh, hey.
Why did you suddenly come?
I have classes too.
I wanted to badmouth someone,
but I couldn't think of anyone else
to do it with.
If that someone is
the frustrating man I'm thinking of,
you've come to the right person.
It was bound to happen one day.
But I think
we put that day off for too long.
I'm okay.
What about you?
Well,
I ended up like this
after putting it off too much.
Unlike Seung-soo and me,
you two are brothers,
so you can't part ways.
Try to overcome it.
I just...
did it for myself.
Right.
Your brother will live
the rest of his life in regret
if he doesn't see us happy.
But aside from that,
you just need to enjoy your life.
And smile a lot.
INCOMING CALL
Hello?
Hello, I'm Lee Se-young of the Dreams.
-Oh, hello.
-Congratulations.
You passed the interview.
Really?
Thank you.
Congratulations once again.
When can you start working?
Right away.
I'll see you tomorrow at work then.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
-Did you get accepted?
-Yes.
-Really?
-Yes!
Goodness.
Congratulations.
-Can you do a good job?
-Of course.
Goodness.
I'm so happy for you.
Good luck.
Mom.
Young-soo is all right now.
I'm fine with everything
as long as he's fine.
Yes.
EXCEPTIONAL, CHALLENGING,
AND PROGRESSIVE BASEBALL
Kyung-min. You're good at your job
because we're related by blood.
You know that, right?
-President Ko.
-Yes, Mr. Kwon?
I need to see Mr. Baek.
May I ask what this is about?
I want to see him. It's been a while.
-Have a seat.
-Okay.
What's the total amount
of last year's salaries?
It's 5,530,000 dollars.
We'll need a sharp cut on that.
We can't afford that much money.
What's with the wine between two men?
We're expecting someone,
and he likes wine.
Is someone coming?
It's someone you know.
KWAK HAN-YOUNG, INFIELDER OF THE DREAMS
What's this?
The estimated salary budget of our team.
Why do you have this?
I sneaked it out from the operations team.
Do they know about this?
-Can this be leaked?
-You're so fastidious.
Why do you think I'm showing you this?
Look.
I don't want to get involved with this.
-I'll get going.
-Sit down, you punk.
Gosh, what's with this mood?
Sit back down, Mr. Kwak.
Goodness.
You see,
I opened an agency.
I'd like to sign a contract with you
and negotiate your salary.
I don't earn a lot, so you might not
get a lot of commission.
You just need to treat me to a drink.
I'm doing this because I feel bad
for your past contracts.
Right, you punk.
Until when will you agree
to what they offer without a say?
Before you,
I've signed contracts with Lee Young-yul,
Jung Tae-soo, and Yoo Min-won.
People at the Dreams look down on me,
but I'm quite renowned outside.
All of them have won a Golden Glove.
Have you signed contracts
with four in total?
Who is the other one?
AGENT CONTRACT
LIM DONG-GYU
Don't tell me you're flustered.
You're Mr. Baek.
Is the topic a little too difficult?
Yes, it is.
Of course,
they might think it's huge
to have their pay cut by 30 percent.
But we'll have to make them understand
our circumstance.
The total of the salary budget
for players has been reduced,
and you want me to negotiate
and sign contracts
with all the players.
Is that it?
Right.
I suggest you make it ten percent.
I told you, it's 30 percent.
Fifteen percent.
Stop talking about money
as if you're bargaining at a market.
It's you who decided on the price
like it's some kind of bargaining.
What are you doing?
How can you make such a decision
without a proper reason?
Do you want me to tell you the reason?
We are...
bad at baseball.
There's more.
We're horrible at baseball.
One more.
We've been horrible at baseball for years.
And one more.
We're suffering a loss from this team.
Right.
We were bad last year and the year before.
That's why our players have
the lowest salaries.
They will hate it
if you cut it down this much.
I wonder why a smart man
would oppose me. Let me tell you this.
It's neither an opinion or a suggestion.
It's a decision.
And the resolution of our group.
You left work, so get lost to your house.
Why do you want to eat with your superior?
Be grateful
that I'm having a meal with you.
Wait.
What's that?
Is she his girlfriend or wife?
I don't know.
I wondered why he left work
early today, and this was why.
I should ask him about this tomorrow.
Hey, be mature already.
What? What is it this time?
Let's just go.
I didn't know
Mr. Baek could smile like that.
Me either.
Let's go.
Okay.
I was supposed to go on a trip today.
You did?
I canceled it after you called yesterday.
Whether I go with my friend, alone,
or with another man,
I will go on a trip next year.
Let's not see each other
this day next year.
Okay.
It's fine.
If we're obsessed with trying
to comfort one another,
we might never be able
to get over that memory.
That came to my mind.
This day will come every year.
We can't keep doing this.
Let's see each other except for this day.
Okay.
Who's going to comfort whom?
We're both strong.
Did you accept that?
Prepare to negotiate fiercely as always.
I've seen many like it.
People who want to look like
they have principles.
It's professional, not sandlot baseball.
We had a drastic cut.
If you decline this,
I won't offer the same amount.
We'll evaluate their weaknesses
thoroughly.
Baek Seung-soo's fake leadership...
This is the easiest way
to reduce labor costs.
Expect a backlash.
He started it by blowing the whistle.
If he fails, he'll break down.
Could this be...
This is the list of ten players
to release from the team.
and the elements of the story
have no relation to reality.
We have high goals.
We'll give up Andy.
Let's look at the video
of the foreign players.
Miles? How much is he worth?
We're in talks for 500,000 dollars.
I'm Robert Gil and I'm here
to serve as a guide.
There hasn't been a time when
a foreign player contract ended easily,
so I'm a bit worried.
He says the price went up overnight.
Double the price all of a sudden? No way.
That's being too selfish.
we'd be taking Miles at the right price.
Mr. Oh Sa-hoon, do you want to make a bet?
Who's laughing now?
You've got quite the translator.
You don't know Gil Chang-ju?
Robert Gil is Gil Chang-ju.
I'm legally American now.
If you think about going back to Korea...
Who would recruit a player like me?
People see me as the guy who
evaded military service.
This is just wrong!
Are you to be blamed the whole season?
Do you think we can sign
a better foreign player for $500,000?
I couldn't see the problem,
so I requested it be discharged.
Mr. Gil.
Do you really not have any reason
to be desperate?
I can play baseball again.
I told you I could bet
that we would be the ones to smile first.
Chin up.
This is not even a big deal.
Let's go.
PRESS CONFERENCE 2019
I'm Reporter Kim Jung-gu
of Financial Modern.
Let me make my question
short and straight to the point.
Why is it Gil Chang-ju?
Well,
he can throw a strong fastball
to wherever he wants.
That's the kind of player he is.
Did you consider
what the people would think?
We brought the best player we could choose
although his past isn't so ideal.
I'm Jung Soon-geun of Jungdong Daily.
Mr. Gil became an American citizen
to avoid military duty.
If he gets to play baseball again
in this country,
other Korean men will
most likely feel deprived.
What will you do about it?
Jungdong Daily?
I won't deny that Mr. Gil played
a role in that sense of deprivation.
I'm aware of it,
and he's aware of it too.
Right, he will have to bear with criticism
that's much harsher than other people
like the sons of media owners
or politicians
who were exempted from military duty
for excuses like essential hypertension.
But you know what?
There was a young baseball player
with a promising future.
He was selected as the ace player
of the national youth team.
He played in a total of four games,
including two preliminaries.
He was the winning pitcher
for the semi-finals,
and for the finals,
he was the relief pitcher.
His team won the championship,
but unfortunately, he injured his elbow.
He went to the States for surgery
and focused on rehab.
After the rehab,
his results came out.
NINE WINS THIS SEASON
Then he finally got recognized.
However,
he was faced with the time
to join the army
when he became a promising rookie
in the major league.
Around that time, there was a survey
for which 70 percent of the answers
favored naturalization.
Are you saying
his naturalization was just?
I do not think it was just,
and that is why
I'm making it a long story.
-What?
-Goodness.
Can I ask you one last question?
I'm Kim Young-chae of Baseball Is Life.
There might be a way
for him to be forgiven.
What do you think about him
serving in the army now?
Due to time constraints,
we'll end the press conference here.
You may get up.
-Hey.
-Please answer.
Please answer the question.
If you end it now, it seems like
you're running away.
You're right. We're running away.
You have to face them head on.
We all came here determined.
I don't know how to fight
with my hands tied.
We fight when we know how to win.
I have something I'd like to say.
Say it later. Let's go.
AMERICAN GIL CHANG-JU COMES BACK
Will the Dreams rise back up?
I said we'd be willing
to pay up to $900,000.
Yes, you did.
But they used only 500,000
and brought a lousy one?
But...
he's played in the major league.
If he were that great,
why would he come for only 500,000?
His price represents his skills.
Yes, that's true.
Then, when Baek Seung-soo comes,
do I have to compliment him
or scold him?
I think we need to see first
how the public opinion is.
No, I think
I should compliment him
for showing some clueless courage.
Baek Seung-soo.
He's a bit...
strange, isn't he?
Aware of the controversy
surrounding Gil Chang-ju avoiding
his military service, the Dreams
held a press conference.
General Manager Baek Seung-soo showed
his conviction regarding the player.
-You're home.
-Yes. How have you been?
Did you not eat yet?
You must be tired.
I'll prepare the food today.
Thanks.
Gosh.
As I prepare the food, you should relax
and take out the presents.
It doesn't have to be
anything heartfelt or serious.
It just has to be expensive.
HIGH SCHOOL
Seung-soo, let's eat.
Yes.
I didn't crave any Korean food
when I was away,
so I thought I was very American
in that sense.
But I was wrong.
I was forgetting this taste.
How dirty.
Talk after eating.
I might be on TV tomorrow.
Can you take out a beauty mask?
No one would notice even if you had
five watermelon seeds on your face.
Do you have to say it like that?
Hey, are you sure
you brought the right person?
There's a lot of controversy.
He's a good person who takes
responsibility.
-If he had responsibility--
-Mom.
We should stand by his side, at least.
And apart from that,
he has a strong sense
of responsibility for his family.
That's why he worked
as a coordinator to earn money.
At night, he'd train.
He'll do well.
How would you know?
That's how your dad was like.
After knowing you were in my belly,
he brought home the most money
he ever did. Here.
Before I was born, Dad was
too much of a playboy.
But when he has
a heavy burden on his shoulders,
you have to believe and be at ease.
Even if he doesn't play well,
don't blame him too much.
Don't feel sympathy for him!
He gets paid way more than me!
Way more!
It's because you get paid too little!
There you go again talking about my pay.
ROBERT GIL
Sir.
Look who's here.
Didn't we have more journalists
expected to come?
Just looking at the press conference,
it didn't seem like he'd answer
any tough questions.
I guess the journalists
weren't feeling it either.
Let's wait.
-Wait for what?
-Our hidden card.
Hello!
Hello!
-Hello.
-Have you been well?
Yes.
This is our operations manager.
I know of Ms. Lee Se-young.
We met at the conference
and before that as well.
How did you know her?
If I didn't know the first female
operations manager
in our country, I should quit
my job. Am I wrong?
But at the press conference,
you were too mean.
I was?
I only asked a question
that everyone was curious about.
If you were considerate
of Gil Chang-ju,
you didn't have to ask that question
as soon as he returned to Korea.
-Hello, everyone.
-Hello, sir.
Hello, everyone.
Hello, sir.
-Excuse me.
-Yes.
Is it hard to get an interview?
Do you think I would have
asked only once or twice
when it was you who wants the interview?
-He says he doesn't want to.
-Then, I'll ask myself,
-face to face.
-What?
Hello, Mr. Baek. I'm Kim Young-chae.
Yes. Hello.
Confirm with the strategy analysis team
if their cameras are ready.
Yes, sir.
-A hidden card?
-Yes, a hidden card.
I have a lot of questions.
You can go through the PR team.
So you can reject it through the PR team?
Yes.
The Dreams is the club that's
preparing for the biggest changes.
Is there a reason
you're not replacing the manager?
It must be similar to the reason
the producer isn't replacing you.
I appreciate your kind words.
I'll officially be rejected
through the PR team.
-I'm nervous.
-Are they paying you more
-for pitching better balls?
-Mr. Baek said
that everyone will be convinced why
he brought me as the season begins.
But...
I'd like to convince them right now.
I don't think I should let him be
criticized because of me anymore.
May I throw the ball
with maximum strength?
Do you think any team would keep us
in check or analyze us
just because you're pitching
a little bit better?
Just pitch as you always do.
Mr. Gil Chang-ju,
please tell us how you feel
about your return to Korea.
For letting me stand on this mound,
for all the reporters
paying attention to me,
and for calling me Gil Chang-ju,
not Robert Gil,
I appreciate it all.
Yes.
You've just shown us
some positive pitches.
It feels like I'm sparing words
of praise by saying "positive."
I'll say it directly. Those were
very powerful pitches.
Thank you.
Before that,
I'd like to apologize first.
There is no excuse for the fact that
I've let down many baseball fans.
And I'll accept any criticism
on that matter.
I sincerely apologize again.
Let's wrap it up. Good work, everyone.
Hey.
Hey. I constantly search my name
and the name of our group
just like those kids nowadays.
-And what is going on?
-Well, sir.
The firm's name keeps coming up
in the sports section.
What do we do?
I apologize.
Why are they making a fuss
for something useless and of no profit?
I apologize.
Did you bring a troublemaker from the US?
Yes, the general manager has been
causing a bit of trouble recently.
But it's all part of the plan.
On a larger scale,
it's going as you have wished.
Kyung-min.
Yes, sir.
You're good at your job
because we're related by blood.
You know that, right?
Boy, what if they win the championship?
My father was complimenting you yesterday.
Relax.
What did he say?
-That you're better than your father.
-Hey!
I mean
that's what my father said.
Fine.
-It's like you're going to bite me.
-Don't be dramatic.
Dramatic?
Let's not do this to each other.
We're cousins.
We should be friendly to each other.
And our objectives are different in scale.
I didn't say anything.
Let's just go eat.
DREAMS
And so?
I'm afraid that
I won't be able to work any longer.
All right.
STRATEGY ANALYSIS TEAM LEADER,
YOO KYUNG-TAEK
The interview of Gil Chang-ju
by Kim Young-chae will be
broadcast the week after next week.
Chang-ju can pitch balls well for sure.
Young-chae said his pitches were
the best among what she saw
around the clubs this winter.
Were you there
for the interview she was doing?
Yes, of course.
-Any problematic questions?
-I told her repeatedly.
It was mainly focused on today's pitching,
and his resolution for the future.
I know she adds some
personal opinions in the studio
outside the interview.
Are you also her fan?
That's the secret to her popularity.
She engages viewers with her journalism.
And also,
she's pretty.
The opinions that she adds in the studio
could get us in trouble.
No way.
She won't be giving up her chance
to cover our club.
Have you told her not to?
No.
She'll keep hitting our sore spots
and think it's journalism.
Should I call her?
No.
I'll...
make sure.
The salary negotiation
of our players is coming soon.
As soon as I get the raw data
regarding the negotiation,
I'll hand it over.
RAW DATA
Yes.
We'll prepare to get the data.
It'll be arduous.
Because upper management
thinks players are
obsessed with money
when they're not even good,
the total amount of salaries is
low considering our bad record.
But it's something we get done
somehow every year.
And
Lee Jin-bum of the strategy analysis team
-decided to quit.
-Jin-bum?
But he was a reliable employee.
His family runs a big orchard,
and he went there.
An orchard?
That is some reason to quit.
The employees of your division are
being replaced quite often.
Kids these days can't stand long
if you treat them too harshly.
We need someone who can work longer.
For the scout and strategy analysis teams,
it's never good to change staff often.
-Isn't it?
-How about
we hire one
through open recruitment this time?
Why?
Jin-bum used to handle data,
so rather than a former player...
It's someone that I can work with.
I know that. That's why
I'm just suggesting.
Since we're at it,
I think our teams are too closed
when it comes to sabermetrics.
If the experts in that area apply
for the job,
it wouldn't hurt to talk to them once.
How would I work
with someone I don't know?
I've never interfered in the recruitment
of the operations team,
and I don't plan to in the future.
I prefer not to work with someone
who hasn't struck out anyone
or hit a home run before.
Whether it's black or white,
a cat merely has to hunt mice well.
I also haven't struck out anyone
or hit a home run before.
In the major league,
the number of coaches
who weren't athletes is growing.
Also, an analyst works close
to the players.
In the Pelicans,
I know that a sabermetrics expert is
working as an analyst.
And they're not doing so bad.
I believe
someone with experience in playing
baseball sees things better.
I still practice batting
every morning. Do you know why?
I wouldn't know.
The players won't even listen to me
if I'm not in shape.
No matter how hard I try
to analyze the data
and tell them to fix this and that
with the videos,
they still say they know
their own bodies best.
And you think an ordinary person
could tell them
what to do because they've
watched a few baseball videos?
Do you think they'd listen?
If it were me, I'd rather fix
their wrong conception
instead of changing myself
to their standard.
Let's do an open recruitment.
Have the one you recommended apply too.
Let's end our meeting here.
-Good work.
-Thanks.
He says catching a mouse is
all that matters.
I can catch your balls
with my eyes closed.
What? Hey.
Don't you know
I'm just playing catch with you?
Really? Then throw it properly this time.
All right.
I'm retired, but I still have my skills.
Here I go.
All right.
Are you okay?
Are you hurt? Let me see.
I knew this would happen.
Let's stop for today.
You're hurt, so don't pay me
for today's lesson.
Come on. It was my fault.
I still need to pay you.
I see you are sensible
the more I get to know you.
You're cool too.
-You know that?
-Goodness.
Why are you so enthusiastic?
I'm not.
It's true that all of my students
like baseball.
But none of them takes lessons
often and consistently like you.
-You don't even spare yourself.
-You see,
I might grow to like it
-if I do this.
-Like what? Baseball?
Well,
-something similar.
-Softball?
Gosh, I won't pay.
Jae-hee, about the data
sent by the strategy analysis team...
Why are you laughing?
Do you feel his void?
No.
-He knows how to earn his keep.
-Look at you.
You gave him a hard time
for his connections.
Is he helpful now?
Connections...
THE DREAMS OPEN RECRUITMENT, 2016,
WAITING ROOM
-Hello.
-Hello.
-Go to that side.
-Thank you.
Is he the one who our CEO
mentioned? Han Jae-hee.
Right, from Jaesong Group.
VERIFICATION SLIP
Mr. Han Jae-hee.
Oh, hello.
-Mr. Han Jae-hee?
-Yes.
-Thank you for coming.
-It's my pleasure.
What's your resolution in applying
for our franchise?
That I'll work hard.
Is there any department you want to join?
What departments do you have?
A lot. Operations team is one.
Then I'll choose that department.
You're so confident
unlike the other applicants.
-That's not true.
-I like it.
What's your problem?
-Do you have a death wish?
-What are you saying?
Why do you think the other applicants
are here?
I don't understand.
They studied much harder than you
and are desperate to get a job,
but they won't get hired
because of some jerk like you.
You jerk using connections.
Apologize to those people
before you go home.
And you.
Don't come even if you get hired.
I'll never let that happen.
But if you pass just in case,
don't come.
Or I'll kill you.
Darn, what was that?
Wait.
Hey, Mr. Connections.
Gosh.
What?
You didn't get hired through connections,
so why did you answer?
Are you drunk?
-Then go home quietly.
-Hey, you little...
You didn't favor
from your connections because of me.
Why are you bringing that up again?
You applied again after a year.
Did you feel wronged about it?
No.
I thought it would be better
than being hired like that
and getting nagged.
I knew someone would give me a hard time.
Why are you here? Isn't it your vacation?
This isn't Europe or anything.
I have a lot of work,
and my direct superior
is super slow at work.
I just can't go home.
You little...
How much have you done?
I'm about to do it now.
Then stop patronizing me.
Mr. Baek.
Didn't you leave work?
Is the analyst done taking resumes?
Yes, would you like to check them?
-Do we have a lot of applicants?
-No.
It took place in a rush,
so about ten people applied.
Let's interview them tomorrow.
All of them?
It's better we interview them all
because there aren't many.
-Okay.
-Good.
I'm home.
Hi.
Why don't you talk to me in person?
It's your exam tomorrow. Is that it?
Let's talk later.
Is it fun playing baseball?
Yes, it's fun. But...
But what?
It's true that I like baseball,
but I'm confused why I'm doing this
because I play baseball all the time.
Young-soo.
Don't be weak, you punk.
Have you ever seen me
come home early and rest up?
No.
It's a battle out in the world.
At least, you're doing what you like.
-Right.
-Good.
Any other concerns?
-Nothing.
-Deal with your odor first.
Go tell Mom to get you some strawberries.
I bought them on my way home.
AVG, OBP, SLG, OPS
SEASON RECORDS, 2019
YAMANSE
THE HEAT CHANGES EVERYTHING, EVEN BASEBALL
As for hitters to begin with,
YEAR, AVG, OBP, SLG, ISO, HRP
It's scientifically proven.
You don't seem well today.
You don't have to pass the exam.
I need to.
When you become an actuary,
let's save money together
and have our parents
move to a closer place.
Why? Do you feel burdened?
A little burden is needed, you punk.
I'm leaving. Oh...
Don't struggle traveling,
and just take a taxi.
Bye.
Good luck.
Can I let the first interviewee come in?
Yes.
I saw on your resume
that you're studying sabermetrics.
-That's right.
-I'll ask you a question about it.
Tell us anything you know
about the least sample records
that can evaluate a batter's ability.
Are you referring to the domestic league?
It's different depending on the index.
Right, you know.
It changes according to which
analytical technique you use,
but as far as I know,
about 200 at-bats for strikeouts,
400 at-bats for 4 balls,
and 300 at-bats for SLG.
HITTER'S BATTING PRODUCTIVITY
Then in terms of the major league,
the sample should be...
As far as I know,
fewer samples are needed.
-Why is that?
-Well...
I'm not sure.
WAITING ROOM
Think of it as an experience
even if you fail.
You've studied hard.
What's the answer
to your question earlier?
There's no definite answer to it.
I just wanted to see him
interpret the statistics.
Where did you learn
things like that?
I read books.
I also often check Yamanse for reference.
RESUME
It's okay. I'll try it on my own.
Hello.
Hello.
Shall we begin the interview?
BAEK YOUNG-SOO
I'll deliver it for you.
Thank you.
THE HEAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Gosh.
Are you Robinson of Yamanse?
You wrote "The Heat Changes
Everything, Even Baseball"
and the post
about the Pythagorean winning data.
Right?
You don't know him?
I don't.
Oh, I see. He's really famous.
I'm Baek Young-soo and I often post
on Yamanse using my ID Robinson.
I chose a few articles
about the team performance analysis
from the things I've written so far.
You wrote a lot.
By the way,
is this really helpful
for the team performance?
You must be the strategy
analysis team leader.
-You're right.
-I'm sure
you already apply sabermetrics
when analyzing the statistics.
You make and gather the detailed
stats of each player, right?
But you make different choices
based on how you interpret data.
You would know it well
if you've ever played baseball.
There are so many reasons people don't see
beyond the numbers.
Most players that hit a slump
all of a sudden
turn out to have personal issues
with their girlfriend or family.
But sabermetrics has no clue
about such issues, right?
Among all the sports,
I think baseball is the best one
to be analyzed by numbers.
In basketball, volleyball, and football,
all the plays are easily
affected by other players' moves.
But for baseball, players can make
strikeouts and hits
without the help of other players.
Not introducing sabermetrics
in modern baseball
is the same as not willing to be healthy.
Even if you study sabermetrics,
you don't get an official diploma.
So if you're not getting a job
in this field,
you'd feel there is too much to study.
Seung-soo, what are you doing?
If I
quit baseball,
can you teach me how to study?
Young-soo.
You're talented in baseball
more than any other thing.
You're not smart that way.
-Hello? Young-soo, I need to go.
-Seung-soo,
I have a game today.
Yes. And what?
And my pelvis started hurting
since yesterday.
I heard that suffering from pain
is inevitable
for all players as they use
explosive energy at once.
Young-soo, don't look back
and look forward.
Just go forward, okay?
Tell me how many hits you made
after the game.
To my knowledge, even the Sabers,
the champion of last season,
didn't fully adopt sabermetrics.
Many think the same as you
because the Sabers didn't hire
regular workers for stat analysis.
But as far as I know,
they have two contract workers
designated for the task,
and the two refused
to work as regular workers for the team.
And their wages were raised
a lot recently.
Do you think those who studied
the mere numbers
can work for baseball teams
even if they have
not made a strikeout or hit a homer?
I've made strikeouts and hit homers.
Not your neighborhood league.
No, not in my neighborhood league.
DAESUNG HIGH SCHOOL
Daesung High School?
Yes. Also, I believe
if there's anyone who hasn't
made a home run or a strikeout
but knows sabermetrics better than me,
he should be hired instead of me.
You're very confident.
Of course, the analytical skills
are not always
directly related to the team's standing.
There are also many other factors
that determine the standing.
However, for the Dreams
that has neglected statistics,
I'm sure it can give
some substantial help.
WAR is regarded
as one of the most important statistics
when it comes to sabermetrics.
Can you tell me why hitters usually
show higher WAR than pitchers
while many say pitchers matter
the most in baseball?
That's the point.
That's the reason why we don't
trust these numbers in the field.
The first reason is that hitters
do both hitting and defense
at the same time.
So, the starting pitchers' WAR
is not much lower
than the hitters.
But middle relief pitchers have
really low WAR.
But aren't their roles
really important to win games?
Right. So I think we should use
WPA, the win probability added,
instead of WAR
to evaluate the performance
of middle relief pitchers
in a more accurate way.
You don't have any questions to ask?
How high do you think the doorsill is?
The doorsill you just crossed.
The doorsill
you barely managed to cross
with someone else's help in the end.
I think it'd be
about six centimeters high.
Everything,
including such a trivial thing,
would be tough if you work for us.
Mr. Baek.
He should understand it exactly first
to accept whatever decision we'd make.
I really like Jackie Robinson.
That's why my ID is Robinson.
He's the first African American
player in MLB.
He had to fight against
the unfair calls of umpires,
and many pitchers hit him on purpose
just because he was African American.
It's total nonsense in this day and age.
If you hire me, I'd be
the first disabled baseball analyst.
The press would eagerly write
stories about me.
Such stories aren't what we are after--
I want you to know this.
If you don't hear good news from us,
that means we found someone
more competent than you.
We won't give you a disadvantage
because you are different.
I trust you.
-Let me ask one more question...
-You got injured.
Tell us what happened.
Sorry?
Young-soo,
don't look back and look forward.
Just go forward, okay?
I got injured during a baseball game.
You'll have to watch
countless game recordings.
The recordings of real games.
You might think you'd still be
in the field if that didn't happen.
Also, you must easily recall
the moment you crashed
and all the ugly memories.
Can you handle it?
I can.
Would your family also want that?
My family doesn't know.
This is what I want,
and that's why I'm doing this.
Because I'm fine.
Applicant Baek Young-soo is
my younger brother.
I wasn't aware he applied, nor do I
hope for his employment.
Please judge it
as objectively as possible.
But I don't think
you have judged it objectively.
He must have considered how I would
rate him before he came here.
Even though it's your brother,
you crossed the line earlier.
Even though he could guess
why you would talk to him that way.
We have no choice.
I'll just announce the result
based on the scores.
Why? What did he say?
Shush.
BAEK YOUNG-SOO
BAEK YOUNG-SOO, DAESUNG HIGH
The immoderate advance that ended
the career of a rising star.
There has been a sad accident
during the match
Tolerating an injury led to severe injury.
I hope no more incident like that
Mr. Baek!
Hold on.
I checked the heights
of the doorsills in our office.
We have eight doors with thresholds
of less than 2cm,
or don't have one.
He can pass these doors in the wheelchair.
We can also install ramps
on the doors with higher thresholds.
We can solve the problem
with a much cheaper budget
than installing new doors.
I still won't hire him.
We have to hire someone
who can assist and protect you.
Who would assist whom?
Please just do as much work
as others in your position.
Who's protecting whom?
What are you doing?
You always say your piece and just leave.
Fine. Say what you want.
Your brother was
a good player.
That past doesn't exist.
RESUME
Have you read his resume thoroughly?
Do you think we're this close
to talk about these things?
I'd like to stop talking about my family.
I'm talking about hiring an employee
of the strategy analysis team right now.
You made me realize
that you don't know all about him
even though you two are close.
RESUME
It doesn't say anything about him
going through a hard time, does it?
But you can tell.
With that one line where it says
he majored in statistics,
he deserves to be applauded.
No company hires an employee
because of a line in their resume.
You're working in the sport
which got your brother injured.
You must not have come here
with no determination or hesitation.
But...
don't you think your brother would have
made a tougher decision
than the decision you had to make?
-Get out.
-Young-soo has been
walking on eggshells around you,
hasn't he?
I know you're doing this
because you're worried,
but your brother has been overcoming
his hardships
so amazingly that it's unbelievable.
You should admit to his courage
to some degree.
Did you know?
Young-soo had already overcome his injury,
and he has been waiting for you
this whole time.
GENERAL MANAGER BAEK SEUNG-SOO
OF DREAMS SPARKS A NEW WAVE.
Since when have you been writing it?
It's been a while.
You deceived your family.
I haven't lied about anything
except that I like baseball.
-I worked hard.
-Hey.
I've been telling you to study
so that you can live
-a better life--
-I was sick of baseball
when I was an athlete.
But after this happened to me,
it's become fun watching baseball.
So I was going to tell you last time.
I'm okay with watching baseball now.
-Then why didn't you tell me?
-You threw it all away.
Everything related to baseball.
You always spit at and cursed baseball.
How am I supposed
to tell you that I like it?
-But that's what made you--
-Although you always say so,
you think it happened because of you.
It's been so many years.
Do you think anyone in this country
can hide from baseball?
Then why did you enter a baseball club?
The baseball manager won't let his brother
watch a baseball game.
How hypocritical is that?
Then who would make money?
What can't a man do to make money?
Someone has to make money.
Stop saying that stuff!
Don't you know we live
in a nightmare to watch you
devote your whole life to our family?
I'm the one who can't walk.
Why should you have a sense of guilt,
and why do I have to wait for you?
I'm out of the nightmare.
Why are you still in there looking at me?
"I'll make the sacrifice. You find
a secure job somewhere else."
Isn't that it?
Do you know how suffocating it is
to hear that?
Do I have to be this self-conscious
for all of us to be happy?
Snap out of it already, please!
Fine.
You don't have to hire me.
So let's live a brighter life.
It wasn't your fault.
Do you think
you'd not be able to blame yourself
if you were me?
Yes.
Because it's really not your fault.
If you were the only one
who was hurt, it'd be different.
But that's not true.
I was...
I was...
We still have to see his progress.
But he has so many bruises on his body.
Do you know what happened?
No.
He's a baseball player, right?
I think there's been physical punishment.
His ankle was severely swollen
where it's not relevant to his injury.
It wouldn't have been easy for him
to run that fast.
MESSAGE INBOX
Young-soo.
Everyone is going through a hard time.
Let's only look forward, okay?
You're the pride of our family.
What are you going to do about the result?
GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE
Come in.
DREAMS COME TRUE
Oh, hey.
Why did you suddenly come?
I have classes too.
I wanted to badmouth someone,
but I couldn't think of anyone else
to do it with.
If that someone is
the frustrating man I'm thinking of,
you've come to the right person.
It was bound to happen one day.
But I think
we put that day off for too long.
I'm okay.
What about you?
Well,
I ended up like this
after putting it off too much.
Unlike Seung-soo and me,
you two are brothers,
so you can't part ways.
Try to overcome it.
I just...
did it for myself.
Right.
Your brother will live
the rest of his life in regret
if he doesn't see us happy.
But aside from that,
you just need to enjoy your life.
And smile a lot.
INCOMING CALL
Hello?
Hello, I'm Lee Se-young of the Dreams.
-Oh, hello.
-Congratulations.
You passed the interview.
Really?
Thank you.
Congratulations once again.
When can you start working?
Right away.
I'll see you tomorrow at work then.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
-Did you get accepted?
-Yes.
-Really?
-Yes!
Goodness.
Congratulations.
-Can you do a good job?
-Of course.
Goodness.
I'm so happy for you.
Good luck.
Mom.
Young-soo is all right now.
I'm fine with everything
as long as he's fine.
Yes.
EXCEPTIONAL, CHALLENGING,
AND PROGRESSIVE BASEBALL
Kyung-min. You're good at your job
because we're related by blood.
You know that, right?
-President Ko.
-Yes, Mr. Kwon?
I need to see Mr. Baek.
May I ask what this is about?
I want to see him. It's been a while.
-Have a seat.
-Okay.
What's the total amount
of last year's salaries?
It's 5,530,000 dollars.
We'll need a sharp cut on that.
We can't afford that much money.
What's with the wine between two men?
We're expecting someone,
and he likes wine.
Is someone coming?
It's someone you know.
KWAK HAN-YOUNG, INFIELDER OF THE DREAMS
What's this?
The estimated salary budget of our team.
Why do you have this?
I sneaked it out from the operations team.
Do they know about this?
-Can this be leaked?
-You're so fastidious.
Why do you think I'm showing you this?
Look.
I don't want to get involved with this.
-I'll get going.
-Sit down, you punk.
Gosh, what's with this mood?
Sit back down, Mr. Kwak.
Goodness.
You see,
I opened an agency.
I'd like to sign a contract with you
and negotiate your salary.
I don't earn a lot, so you might not
get a lot of commission.
You just need to treat me to a drink.
I'm doing this because I feel bad
for your past contracts.
Right, you punk.
Until when will you agree
to what they offer without a say?
Before you,
I've signed contracts with Lee Young-yul,
Jung Tae-soo, and Yoo Min-won.
People at the Dreams look down on me,
but I'm quite renowned outside.
All of them have won a Golden Glove.
Have you signed contracts
with four in total?
Who is the other one?
AGENT CONTRACT
LIM DONG-GYU
Don't tell me you're flustered.
You're Mr. Baek.
Is the topic a little too difficult?
Yes, it is.
Of course,
they might think it's huge
to have their pay cut by 30 percent.
But we'll have to make them understand
our circumstance.
The total of the salary budget
for players has been reduced,
and you want me to negotiate
and sign contracts
with all the players.
Is that it?
Right.
I suggest you make it ten percent.
I told you, it's 30 percent.
Fifteen percent.
Stop talking about money
as if you're bargaining at a market.
It's you who decided on the price
like it's some kind of bargaining.
What are you doing?
How can you make such a decision
without a proper reason?
Do you want me to tell you the reason?
We are...
bad at baseball.
There's more.
We're horrible at baseball.
One more.
We've been horrible at baseball for years.
And one more.
We're suffering a loss from this team.
Right.
We were bad last year and the year before.
That's why our players have
the lowest salaries.
They will hate it
if you cut it down this much.
I wonder why a smart man
would oppose me. Let me tell you this.
It's neither an opinion or a suggestion.
It's a decision.
And the resolution of our group.
You left work, so get lost to your house.
Why do you want to eat with your superior?
Be grateful
that I'm having a meal with you.
Wait.
What's that?
Is she his girlfriend or wife?
I don't know.
I wondered why he left work
early today, and this was why.
I should ask him about this tomorrow.
Hey, be mature already.
What? What is it this time?
Let's just go.
I didn't know
Mr. Baek could smile like that.
Me either.
Let's go.
Okay.
I was supposed to go on a trip today.
You did?
I canceled it after you called yesterday.
Whether I go with my friend, alone,
or with another man,
I will go on a trip next year.
Let's not see each other
this day next year.
Okay.
It's fine.
If we're obsessed with trying
to comfort one another,
we might never be able
to get over that memory.
That came to my mind.
This day will come every year.
We can't keep doing this.
Let's see each other except for this day.
Okay.
Who's going to comfort whom?
We're both strong.
Did you accept that?
Prepare to negotiate fiercely as always.
I've seen many like it.
People who want to look like
they have principles.
It's professional, not sandlot baseball.
We had a drastic cut.
If you decline this,
I won't offer the same amount.
We'll evaluate their weaknesses
thoroughly.
Baek Seung-soo's fake leadership...
This is the easiest way
to reduce labor costs.
Expect a backlash.
He started it by blowing the whistle.
If he fails, he'll break down.
Could this be...
This is the list of ten players
to release from the team.