JUNG BONG

 

Starting Pitcher
Atlanta Braves

 

Bats: Left Throws: Left
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 175 lbs.
Born: July 15, 1980, in Seoul, South Korea.
MAJOR LEAGUE SEASON PITCHING STATISTICS:

 YEAR

 ERA W L G IP H R ER BB K HR BAA
2002 7.50 0 1 1 6.0 8 5 5 2 4 0 .320


PROFILE:
Jung Bong received a $1.7 million bonus for signing with the Atlanta Braves as a 17-year-old free agent on November 13, 1997. This, in it self, should tell you much about Bong’s raw ability, as the Braves have been known for their aggressive scouting worldwide. After coming to the U.S., Bong studied English as a Foreign Language at Georgia Tech, and he has also opted to reside here in the states during the off-season, in Duluth, Georgia. Jung started the 2002 season at Class-AA Greenville, where he ended up going 7-8 with a 4.02 ERA. However, the youngster was called-up in late April by the Braves, where he proceeded to pitch six innings in a losing cause. Prior to his call-up, Bong had pitched really well at Greenville; however, upon his return, he seemed to struggle in the minors for the next few months. Toward the end of the minor league season, he was eventually demoted to the bullpen. After this demotion, however, he started to pitch well again. Stuff-wise, the young lefthander has always had pretty good zip on his fastball, which he throws at about 90-91 mph. He also possesses a very good changeup. However, he has been somewhat slow in coming up with a third pitch, but now seems to be mastering a curve, which should go a long way toward complementing his other pitches. Braves Minor League pitching coach, Bruce Dal Canton, has worked pretty extensively with Jung in getting him to master his curveball. Bong has always had pretty good control. He is also an excellent athlete and moves well for 6’3” pitcher. He was actually known as a promising hitting prospect too, while playing in Korea. Some scouts felt early on, that Bong’s reluctance to give up working on his swing, delayed his development as a pitcher.

FINAL ASSESSMENT:
Bong will most likely begin the 2003 season at Class-AAA Richmond. The young lefty may be given a long shot to win a job in the Braves’ rotation before the start of next season. However, he will have to pitch really well this spring to do so. Most likely, he projects to be a middle of the rotation hurler. We see Bong going in the late second or third round of the upcoming NABL draft. Again, it is hard to say when and where he will go, as he pitched so few innings in the big leagues last season.