Observers say Kim reads the opposing battery's intent better than he did two years ago, varying his response to the same pitch type depending on the count.

When plate discipline and bat speed hold together, the extra-base rate rises. For the club, that means steadier production from the middle of the order.

The variable is the international calendar. During the Asian Games, players must manage both game rhythm at their clubs and physical condition, and those called up lose recovery time.

The manager made no secret of his hopes in the home run race, though the final tally depends on games remaining and the pitchers faced.

In baseball, individual numbers are never separable from team performance: without on-base production ahead of and behind him, the chances to drive the ball simply diminish.