Original subtitles

(Stove League)

(This drama is fiction and the elements of the story...)

(have no relation to reality.)

Were you a bit flustered?

I must have said something difficult for you to take in.

Yes, it is difficult.

Now that we're demanding 30 percent so suddenly...

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.

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.

Do you want me to tell you the reason?

We are...

bad at baseball.

There's more.

We've been horrible at baseball for years.

One more.

We're suffering a loss from this team.

Right.

We were bad at it last year and the year before.

That's why our players have the lowest salaries.

It's neither an opinion or a suggestion.

It's my decision.

And the resolution of our group.

Please firmly prepare for the salary negotiations.

Yes.

- That's what we always... - There will be a lot of cutbacks.

How much?

It'll be 30 percent.

We have to complete contracts with all players with this amount.

There will be a lot of opposition.

They might argue that...

baseball players need to buy equipment...

and would need a bigger pay.

Not realizing the harsh reality...

and caught up in the glory of the old days,

some might bring out their egos.

That's because their salaries are revealed to the public.

But in reality,

there are many reasons for the salaries to be cut.

It's been a while since the team has been getting last place.

Did you...

accept it?

Even the players that do not have a good record...

won't react well...

when they hear about a 30 percent reduction.

It's natural for different parties to fight during salary negotiations.

Of course, I'm aware of that.

Everyone has different interests, and that's why we get angry.

Off-season training gets delayed because of this too.

I've been through it all.

But with those reductions,

we can't do negotiations.

The Dreams have been last place for the fourth year in a row.

Do we have to accept the bad results...

while they get the same pay as everyone else?

Isn't this a professional league?

I think there's enough justification.

So you're agreeing...

with these cuts?

It's a difference in values.

There's a much easier way.

No way.

Yes, that's the list of players to be cut off.

But we already had some players be released.

Isn't this the easiest way to reduce payroll expenditure?

Ten people.

There are too many.

There will be a meeting regarding salaries tomorrow morning.

Anyway, you guys discuss your opinions.

Does this even make sense?

How are we going to release ten more players?

It was hard choosing the players to release in November.

Did everything we did so far make sense?

But there hasn't been a time with this much nonsense going on.

Let's be quiet.

Hey.

Organize this again.

Yes.

And you...

should stop watching videos and focus on the numbers.

Okay.

And I'm not sure if you'll be here until then,

Once the season begins, there's this thing called an away analysist.

You can't do it.

- I can do it. - No.

You just look at the numbers.

A person who takes records and information regarding the game)

But all the names are whitened out.

Just look at the numbers!

I said just look at the numbers.

Statistics analysts only need to look at numbers.

Okay.

Thank you.

No problem.

What brings you here?

My name is Baek Yeong Su of the analysis division.

I see.

I gathered you all here despite your busy schedules...

because of the salary negotiations.

Funding from our parent company has been immensely cut.

Compared to the total sum of last year,

we have to cut the sum by 30 percent.

- By 30 percent? - By 30 percent?

With that sum, we have to proceed with the salary negotiations.

It's not easy,

so I gathered you all here to listen to your opinions.

This is the list of ten players to release from the team.

Ten?

Ten players?

If the manager, the division heads,

and the scouting team deputy head can give your opinions...

regarding this list, that'd be great.

Well,

if all these players are released,

the journalists would be asking and there will be an uproar.

How would we answer?

I don't understand this list.

Why not?

Kim Chan Hee, Jung Bae Yong...

They're not players that I picked easily.

They're growing and getting better. Why are they included in this list?

They're players that I picked looking ten years into the future.

It's extremely difficult to get into a professional team.

Who can we say does badly when we give a good outlook in 10 years?

Who made this list?

Was it you?

It was not me.

If it were someone who knew at least a little bit of the Dreams,

he wouldn't have done such a terrible job.

What is it?

If we release ten players, the team is reduced to 40 players.

Can the team even function?

I'm sure it would last...

at least one season.

We can't do with this list.

Instead of Lee Kyung Seok, how about we release Kim Jong Yun?

But Kim Jong Yun isn't a player we should release either.

If we release Lee Chan Jong,

another team will take him right away.

We can't release Kang Han Bae. He's handsome.

What?

He's not a main player, but his uniforms sell!

If Kang Han Bae is out, ticket sales will plummet!

Why are you all looking at me like that?

Do you think we can afford to play baseball with mere dirt?

We're a professional baseball team.

But...

we already released players in November.

We released 11 players then.

It wasn't any less than before.

It's unfortunate, but if we do release another ten players,

so in other words,

if all the ten players are released, our team...

will be reduced to 40 players.

If some players deal with injuries,

will the team be able to function?

No.

And so,

Kim Chan Hee, Jung Bae Yong,

Lee Kyung Seok, Lee Chan Jong, Seo Gyu Yeol, and Yu Won Jae.

We need them, right?

The player we can remove is...

Song Myung Jun.

Who thinks we need him?

Okay. Then...

how about Sung Min Jae?

These players run around the field...

to catch the fungoes I hit, and they get bunted...

in the games when I tell them to.

I can't...

raise my hand in this meeting.

I feel quite uncomfortable. May I leave the room?

Yes, thank you for your effort. You may leave.

We'll continue.

Who thinks we need Jang Jin Woo?

No one? Can we remove him?

But Jang Jin Woo had...

19 wins in the past...

which is the highest within a decade of Dreams baseball.

If we were to remove him, we should have notified him...

and held him a retirement ceremony.

If you think we need Jang Jin Woo for our postseason,

then...

please raise your hand.

Can I remove Jang Jin Woo?

- I'm home. - Dad's home, Ha Yoon.

- Let's eat. - Dad!

Ha Yoon.

What have you been up to?

Welcome home. Go wash yourself so we can eat.

Sorry, I have to go to Ki Beom's house.

You should have told me earlier.

I made all these.

He called me all of a sudden.

Are you going to eat meat without us?

I want meat too!

I'll buy some meat back on my way home. All right?

Enjoy your dinner.

- I'll be back. - Yes.

When is it?

When is what?

Your salary negotiation.

It's still a long way off.

Will it be reduced?

I think it will.

Still,

you know that no one in our building earns more than you, right?

- I'll be back. - Yes, come home safe.

Can we remove Jang Jin Woo?

I have an opinion.

Although I hadn't been an athlete, I've started observing...

the pitchers' balls since I learned how to catch balls.

I think...

he can still throw some balls.

Should I say his pitches are nasty?

It's tough to hit his pitches.

The record also says he hasn't let that many long hits pass.

(Long hit, a safe hit that's higher than a single)

Then we'll negotiate with all of our players.

Mr. Baek won't release any players.

Do you now how cold-hearted he is?

You'll see.

What?

They're signing contracts with all of them.

I've seen a lot of people like him.

People who want to be seen as someone of conviction.

Should I tell them to remove the players?

For what?

It was his choice to turn his back on the important players...

to mind ten mediocre athletes. It's a good thing.

I know it won't happen,

but even though they all sign the contract,

it's a win for us since we get to save money.

Right?

If things go wrong...

The moment he started the meeting with the division heads,

it meant that he had accepted our absurd proposal.

He blew the starting whistle.

He'll crumble once he fails.

He gives them false hope by making them think...

he could make it work.

That's when they'll realize his leadership was fake.

We'll re-sign with all of our players...

rather than releasing them.

Are we getting an additional budget?

I don't think so.

So you plan to re-sign with all of them...

with that budget?

But the players are already saying that our franchise is being cheap.

Are we equally cutting...

all of their annual salaries?

We have a lot of players who receive minimum salaries, don't we?

We're going to completely change...

the method of calculating salaries.

What is this about? Why haven't I even been notified?

I have no clue.

Won't there be opposition?

Since I joined this team,

unless I'm changing the location of the vase in my office,

I remember always being opposed to.

Please continue.

I deleted all the data on how much they received last year,

and then did the calculation.

So they all start on a zero base,

and it'll be calculated according to last year's records only.

This is too...

We're in trouble.

I'll give you an example so that you may understand.

Let's look at Park Jeong Chan...

in his third year this year.

He's ranked first in the number of game-winners in our team.

His annual salary was 80,000 dollars last year.

We can offer him 150,000 dollars this year.

This year is Jang Jin Woo's 16th year on our team.

And he didn't play well last season as you all know.

He received 130,000 dollars, and we can offer him 50,000 dollars.

A player can play well for one season, and he can get...

a higher salary than a veteran with 16 years of experience.

That's our new method of calculating the salaries.

There will be some serious opposition.

It's professional baseball, not sandlot baseball.

If they don't want to be treated according to how they contribute,

they should quit.

Why do we have a seniority system in the professional league?

(A seniority system gives preference according to length of service)

Yes, should I prepare a briefing with the players?

Yes.

Kwak Han Young is...

good at defending both the outfield and the infield,

so he plays in numerous games...

as a key player free of positions.

His batting average is 0.262, and he also has batting power.

He hit 15 home runs.

The manager also likes him since he doesn't have to worry...

even if an infielder gets injured.

Next up,

I think he'll be the person of interest in this negotiation.

It's the starting catcher of our team,

Seo Yeong Ju.

The word "if" always follows him.

Some people say if Seo Yeong Ju were healthy,

our team would have been ranked...

in ninth place, not in last place.

Every time he plays full time,

he's one of the top defensive catchers...

in our country according to general opinion.

And he's the best at blocking balls in our country.

He's ranked the second in stopping stolen bases.

And he's reliable in terms of reading our pitchers.

Yeong Ju.

I heard they'll be cutting our salaries this year.

Aren't you on our team?

Everyone knows the Dreams is cheap.

But it's the new general manager.

He claimed that we should be paid based on our records.

I don't care.

I'll get paid based on my skills, not my records.

(Number of games, starting, innings)

He couldn't play in a lot of games last season due to his injury.

So it's inevitable his salary will be immensely reduced this year.

But...

I'm not sure...

if he will accept it.

He's always been tough to negotiate with.

- Yes. Who's next? - Yes.

It's Jang Jin Woo.

He used to be an ace player who had 19 wins when we went to the finals.

But his pitching speed plummeted after his shoulder injury.

He's been allowing a lot of home runs and long hits.

It's difficult for him to become a coach...

as his records have been very poor after that.

He's not thinking of retiring any time soon,

but I'm not sure if he'll accept...

this new calculation method.

He does become a good example to the younger players...

since he's an earnest player.

A good example?

Is there a younger player who wants to be like him?

There won't be any for now.

Whether he's earnest or not, he can't be a good example.

We already have Kang Du Ki who's a successful model.

Du Ki works hard and he has good results.

That's a good example.

You can't compare him to Kang Du Ki.

I'm telling you to only state the accurate value of a player...

because we all know that Jin Woo is a player we need.

Pardon?

He made ten double plays with a runner in first base,

and seven of those failed due to mistakes by our defense team.

If we exclude the mistakes of our team, he's the best in the league.

He has the best IR-A percentage among our middle relief pitchers.

(IR-A percentage, the percentage of inherited runs allowed)

Then you can't be offering him 50,000 dollars, can you?

Why would we acknowledge his value when he's not aware of it himself?

Mr. Jang.

What?

"What?"

I'm not from the Dream,

- and the former head, Mr. Ko... - Hold on.

- The former head? - Then is he the current head?

- You must be out of your mind. - Anyway,

I wasn't as good as you two when I was a player,

but if you insult me and look down on me...

- like this... - Then, what?

- I'll have to swallow it. - What's with you?

Whether people will criticize me for my lack of leadership...

or criticize you for being nasty and arrogant,

I know the answer already.

I will...

respect you as you made your debut before me.

And I need you to respect me...

as the head of the division.

Only then will the scouting division work well.

Hey.

I grabbed a bat...

many years earlier than you, you brat.

What does the fact that you grabbed a bat earlier than me...

have to do with the job we're doing now?

Violence, unnecessarily strict hierarchy...

It's disgusting.

Why don't we just get rid of such things?

What the... Hey!

Darn it! The scum...

Shoot.

Isn't he a psycho?

I heard you eat ramyeon after training,

so I brought you here.

By the way, this place is quite crowded.

It wasn't easy in the beginning,

but it got much better now.

I play in an amateur league to promote this place,

and they often have dinner together here.

Is it good?

It's really tasty.

Looking at you,

I can tell you're feeling much comfortable now.

Are you playing in the next season too?

- Of course. What else would I do? - How much will they pay you?

I haven't had a meeting yet,

but it'd be less than the last season.

Didn't you get about 140,000 dollars last season?

You also should work harder...

and get more than him in three years.

Actually, I'd be happy if they raised my pay even a little.

Gosh.

I'm already happy by thinking of it.

But it'd be less than 130,000 dollars next season.

It doesn't matter.

If they cut 30,000, it'd be 100,000. Why don't you open a place like me?

I still can throw balls, you know.

Come on. I can throw balls too.

Honey!

Even my wife can catch it.

What's the point of just throwing balls?

The problem is that you no longer can throw balls nicely.

Come on.

I'm happy that I still receive 100,000 dollars. I'm doing fine.

Are you joking?

Honey, come here.

I'm busy.

When we close the place, let's drink together.

Tell him.

He still wants to play in the field even he gets just 100,000 dollars.

That's not a small amount. It's too early to retire.

You saved some money, right?

It wouldn't be that much.

Still,

I feel much better after we opened this place.

If he just warmed the bench and didn't get to play in the field...

when he was a player,

the whole house was gloomy like a funeral home.

And if he messed up a play in the field,

it was even worse.

Moreover, if the team lost...

no matter how well he played, it was still a bad day.

The whole family had to be sad almost every day.

He'd rarely been at home because of training and away games.

Money isn't everything.

Excuse me. Can we have a bottle of soju?

Okay. I'll be right there.

- Are your knees okay? - Yes. They're fine now.

I walked to Cheongsan Park today.

Mom!

- Stay home on cold days. - I'm okay.

You know Seung Mi's mom, right?

She's working as a cashier in the supermarket in the town.

And I heard she'll quit soon.

You know the supermarket owners are really nice.

They always give leftovers for free.

You can't!

I can't live as a housewife forever when I don't have a husband.

I'm healthier than you.

Say that after your knees recover.

I'm wiping the same place over and over again.

So only you can be a career woman?

Mom.

Is my pay too small?

What is it this time? Did salary negotiations begin?

It must not be enough for both of us.

It's as little as a rat's tail, right?

You always say that during salary negotiation season.

Do you know what roles a rattail has?

It detects the temperature and the environment.

What are you saying out of the blue?

Thanks to your small pay, I'm sensitive to the price change.

I could also learn to save money while spending less.

What are you saying?

Stop reading weird books.

Don't worry.

It's not because your pay is too little.

- Then? - Well,

both Seung Mi's mom and the owner...

want me to work there.

No way.

No matter what decision I make,

I just...

feel good that they said they want me to work there.

Although the job doesn't require a certain certificate...

Wait.

I feel happier because the job doesn't need any skills.

Listen.

Everyone can do the job.

And someone told me:

"I want you to do the job."

So I just...

felt so great.

Hello.

Yes.

Good afternoon.

Hello.

Please read the terms...

and sign on it if you agree.

Okay.

(Baseball player contract)

(Wage: 27,000 dollars)

Yu Min Ho,

please work hard next season.

Then, you'll get much more next year.

Okay.

Do I sign here?

You didn't play for many games.

So we couldn't find any ground to raise your pay.

Cheer up.

Thank you. I'm fine.

(Yu Min Ho)

Here.

- See you later. - Thank you.

- Hello. - Hello.

Yes, Grandma.

Yes.

It's cold there, isn't it?

It's quite cold here too.

We'll mainly meet with pitchers today.

Pitchers tend to be pretty individualistic.

They don't easily sign the contract.

They also prepare their own documents.

There's Kwak Han Young among hitters we'll see today.

Yes, the nice guy.

Oh, you are close to him.

No.

It's his nickname.

He understands the team's situation and signs his contract right away.

I'm sure he'll easily sign the contract today as well.

Ko...

Ko...

Geez.

- Goodness. - What's going on?

Welcome. Long time no see.

I've worked my entire life, so I was going to rest a bit.

But the players seem to have a lot of difficulties...

when they get to sign the new contract.

No matter how hard they collect and prepare data,

it can never be enough compared to the data you prepare.

Once they sit on this table,

their mind goes blank, and their mouth gets frozen.

So when they barely come to their senses,

all they see is a contract with their signature on it.

All they know is baseball,

so they can't deal with sly people.

My juniors were looking for a trustworthy agent...

who's good at negotiating with a big circle of acquaintances.

So I'm here with a sense of responsibility.

Since we're acquainted,

let's talk with reason,

so that we don't hurt each other's feelings.

Sure.

What is the amount you offer?

As you're aware,

the team got the lowest results for four years in a row.

Wait.

We're negotiating his personal salary here.

Why are you mentioning the team's results?

This happened every time, didn't it?

Yes.

This needs to be fixed.

I know your circumstance,

but don't tell me...

you're offering 160,000 dollars.

(Offer, 160,000 dollars)

What's with that detailed amount?

I thought that'd be the amount,

considering the result scoring criteria.

You got it wrong.

Right? I thought so.

He was always nice when signing his contract.

As his senior,

I felt so bad.

I'm here to help him sign with the proper amount this time.

But 160,000 dollars?

That's a no.

Then what is the amount you have in mind?

I was about to say...

that 160,000 dollars is...

unacceptable for certain.

The team got the lowest results for four years in a row,

so naturally, the budget has been cut down.

To fix his salary in a more reasonable way,

we've only evaluated him with his results from last year.

As his legal agent,

I've searched all the data about his plays, contracts,

and everything.

Do you know what his nickname is?

Don't you know?

The nice guy.

You see,

it breaks my heart.

We can't offer him 160,000 dollars.

He won't take 160,000 dollars.

Every sports newspaper mentions his name...

for being highly effective compared to his salary.

He's been the top player within the team 3 times for 5 years.

Among the players six-digit salaries,

he's the one that signs his contract only after two meetings.

He's the nice player.

You shouldn't treat him poorly like this.

Consider how deprived he must've felt.

I had no idea...

the Dreams would offer this shameless amount.

You must offer another amount.

Let me tell you a secret. I'm not getting any commission...

from him.

Why?

Why?

Because I feel bad for him.

Our discussion might take some time. Have you all eaten?

We haven't eaten yet.

It's chicken sandwich.

Let's see.

Jae Hee.

Will you go buy two cups of coffee?

Make them iced americanos.

What?

What are you doing?

Sorry.

What do you want to drink?

All right.

I told you about our new way of calculating his salary.

And we're well aware of his circumstance.

We both don't think we can narrow the gap through this meeting.

Let's talk later.

You may leave.

I just opened this though.

Oh, right.

I'm telling you this in case you get the wrong idea,

but I'm not here with immature grudges...

against my wrongful charge.

I'm here with a sense of duty.

We won't get the wrong idea.

And it wasn't a wrongful charge at all.

I believe you aren't pathetic enough to waste your life...

for revenge.

Now, please leave. We have other players waiting.

Oh, right.

I forgot this.

"Jung Sun Gu, Yeo Jae Wook, Kang Tae Min, Kwon Do Yul."

(The Dreams, Salary Negotiation Plan)

Are these the players too?

(Jung Sun Gu, Yeo Jae Wook, Kang Tae Min, Kwon Do Yul)

I'm a legal agent of these players too.

We can discuss their salaries now while we're at it.

I need to take it out again.

Eat.

Jae Hee. Why are you still here?

Eat.

Do you want some? It's savory.

Han Young.

Would you have signed it if it hadn't been for me?

- Yes. - They should've been better...

to the nice guys...

instead of using them.

Jerks.

Do you still drive that car?

- Yes. - You need to get a new car.

I'll work harder.

- Trust me. - It works just fine.

- Just trust me. - Okay.

- Bye. - Bye.

Bye.

Write one decent article for us.

I'll call you again.

What is it?

I think the worst kind of human being in this world...

is someone who reacts...

to submission due to power instead of reason.

If this repeats,

I won't treat you like a human.

What is he saying?

You know.

Darn it. Bring a tissue.

Bring a tissue.

He talked...

as if he knew our way of calculating the salary.

Is that why you did that?

- Yes. - He couldn't say anything.

It means...

It's all in the past now. Ko Se Hyeok...

Let's not be swayed by that one agent.

Here.

We need to get all these people to sign their contracts.

Okay.

Tomorrow's negotiations are with middle-ranking players.

Their past contracts have some things slightly in common.

Most of the players with a family...

got more than their original offers, even if by a slight bit.

It's doesn't matter why because it won't happen this year.

Even if you know...

those players have a family to support, we'll evaluate...

their weaknesses...

and values thoroughly.

Be strong.

It'll be hard even if you're prepared to get cursed out.

I hope there's no humanist...

on this year's negotiating table.

We're meeting Seo Yeong Ju tomorrow.

The affordable amount for his salary is 300,000 dollars.

But we must settle it with 200,000 dollars.

You know who he is, right?

Yes, he's the key catcher who's known to be...

most fastidious in terms of contracts.

He could behave rudely.

It's his attitude that's rude, not the results, so I don't care.

Let him behave rudely.

(A Relationship at the Dreams, Now Together for the Same Dream)

(Lim Dong Gyu has reunited with Ko Se Hyeok...)

Next is Seo Yeong Ju.

Come in.

Hello.

Hello.

Do you know this saying?

Pitchers are noblemen, outfielders are merchants,

infielders are slaves,

and catchers are beggars.

Being a catcher is the toughest. Please be generous.

You've missed quite a lot of games during the last season.

As we've told you last time,

your salary will be calculated based on your records from last year.

You should prepare yourself for a cut.

Why?

During the last season...

Shouldn't you be paying...

for how much expectations you have...

for the player for this season?

Mr. Seo Yeong Ju.

Then why would people negotiate based on the records of a season?

Because it's the most appropriate basis...

to base your expectations on how good a player will play.

Although...

I haven't played in that many games because of my injury,

you should see my records of the second half of the year.

Look at the average.

Don't you see I'm ranked the first among the defensive catchers?

I wasn't planning on saying this,

but do you know what the fans of the Dreams are saying?

"At least we have Seo Yeong Ju."

That's what they all say, all right?

Yes, you spoke well on the matter.

As you've missed the first half of the year due to your injury,

we expect that you won't be playing full time in the coming season.

Mr. Baek.

It's the first time we're meeting.

I heard you weren't a player.

Why are you bringing that up?

I was worried you might not be aware of it.

I wanted to explain.

It's not like I have a chronic disease.

I was injured due to an unexpected incident.

So...

this year...

That incident was caused by your play style.

And we merely evaluate by considering all those probabilities.

Your habit of blocking the home plate entirely...

when you defend the home base,

your habit of tagging a runner when he's running for home base.

(Tag out, a play in which a fielder tags the runner with the ball)

You should correct those.

I say 500,000 dollars.

I don't want to agonize over something like this.

I'm afraid we have very different opinions.

I don't usually make an unreasonable demand.

To have the best defensive catcher of this nation...

play full time...

after he's healed,

I think that's not expensive at all.

You'll be upset if we tell you our calculation of your salary.

I'm leaving.

Mr. Jang Jin Woo.

Let's go in.

I'm aware that you're the player with the most experience,

but in this year,

we've calculated your salary based solely on your records...

of the last season.

Yes.

My salary has been adjusted every year.

Our calculation of your salary is...

50,000 dollars.

(Baseball Player Contract)

(Role: Player, Payment: 50,000 dollars)

Is there an offer you'd like to suggest?

No. Just a minute.

I need some time to...

So 50,000 dollars?

If they're paying you 50,000 dollars,

that means they want you out of the team.

I had...

the second location planned in Jungang-dong.

You should take that spot.

You can get a loan to afford it.

You can manage the restaurant,

give private lessons as a part-time job,

and you'll make way more than 50,000 dollars.

Your body will wear out eventually.

It's time to quit.

Ha Yoon.

I brought fried chicken for you.

You smell like alcohol.

Honey.

Yes.

It must have been a tough day today.

You must have been scrutinized...

for every single record when you've worked hard all year.

We can open a barbecue restaurant,

or a dumpling restaurant.

Or you can keep pitching.

Thank you.

Which one do you want to do?

Mom.

I want to eat meat.

A barbecue restaurant.

We should open a barbecue restaurant.

Dad's going to open a barbecue restaurant, Ha Yoon.

All right?

You smell like alcohol.

Let's go eat fried chicken. I bought it for you.

Let's go.

Du Ki!

It's been a while, Du Ki.

What's the occasion?

I heard you became an agent.

You're keeping up with the news, aren't you?

Du Ki, we should be in one boat.

Is your current agent okay?

The salary negotiation doesn't apply to me.

I get paid according to the free agent contract.

Yes.

I heard the younger pitchers all look up to you already.

Are they?

Introduce me to some of the younger pitchers.

Is there a single pitcher that you don't know...

- in our team? - I know.

I know them all,

but it's different when you introduce me to them.

Right?

I was falsely accused when I quit the team,

so a lot of people still misunderstand me.

As you know, none of our pitchers can...

afford to pay a commission from their salary.

The commission would be too much for them.

You can tell them I'll get them higher salaries by negotiating well.

Right?

Are you close to Mr. Baek?

I've met him a few times.

It's a good thing that he brought you here.

But...

look at the way he handles things right now.

Mr. Baek can evaluate my records,

but I'm in no position to evaluate him.

Are you a robot or something?

Why are you so tight? Your name should be Tight Du Ki!

I know...

that you've partnered with a few players on our team.

Is it out of pure intentions?

Are you sure you're not just trying to hinder his work?

What are you saying?

I've forgot...

that you were close to Lim Dong Gyu.

Mr. Ko.

Didn't you often go to the makgeolli restaurant...

next to the beef rib restaurant in Jungang-dong?

That's my father's restaurant.

When I was in middle school,

I remember you took the players with poor records...

to buy them beef ribs,

and then you came to our restaurant.

You barely drank alcohol,

and you only talked about baseball.

You sat the young players who didn't even understand,

and told them how to hit a ball or how to defend on the field.

You were talking for hours.

What are you trying to say?

What happened to you?

- Mr. Ko. - You little...

Is this your way of showing leadership?

Let go of my hand, you brat!

I'm going to pitch in the postseason at any cost.

Do not shake up the Dreams.

Mr. Baek.

We just got a call from Seo Yeong Ju.

He wants to meet right now.

Where is he now?

He said he's in the hospital,

but I have players of whom I only need to get their contracts signed.

I'll go with you.

And Mr. Baek, about Jang Jin Woo...

Can I talk to him in person?

Yes, you can.

We'll get ready to leave then.

(Hospital)

(Orthopedics, Proctology Clinic)

Why would you bring a female employee in here?

What do you mean a female employee? I'm the management division head.

Get out right now!

Why did you want us all the way in here?

Every catcher suffers from hemorrhoids.

I wanted to you look.

Why are you keep watching? Stop watching now.

I told you to stop. Why do you keep looking?

Cover it now.

Table seven has become a negotiating table.

It's hot even without fire.

(Baseball Player Contract, 50,000 dollars)

It's just our circumstance that's bad.

It doesn't mean we don't need you.

You're in too good of a condition...

for you to retire, to be honest.

Every player is sick.

We just don't show it because we won't be used otherwise.

I learned about baseball and the Dreams belatedly,

but I study its history to know more about the team.

Remember...

when the team won second place.

You were behind its heyday.

You see,

it'll be a shame if people remember you...

as a nine days' wonder.

It would've been nice if I had retired after then.

What?

It's true I'm not like how I used to be.

I think I've come to my end.

I'll retire.

Why don't we treat your thumb next time?

- Come after a week. - Okay, thank you.

After one season ends, I get treated and start training again...

because I have to put up...

with my pain next season.

This is why I'm demanding 500,000 dollars.

Make a new contract.

Mr. Seo, let's go talk at a cafe or something.

Sorry. I have a family meeting to attend.

We can have a drink later if you'd like.

You shouldn't drink when you're under treatment.

You're frustrating.

I need my heart treated too.

See you later.

That jerk...

Hi.

Yes.

Okay, Jae Hee. You made an effort.

Go back safely to the office.

Mr. Jang Jin Woo wishes to retire.

I see. Let's go.

Let's have all your players sign their contracts today.

I guess you're in a rush.

We can't put this off forever.

Then tell me how much you offer.

The gap was just too big last time.

Okay.

Well,

it's not easy to narrow the gap.

Is that right?

You must be confused,

having to negotiate with other players too.

Finalize your negotiations with them first.

Let's talk again then.

Mr. Ko...

Se Hyeok.

If you decline, I'll never offer this amount again.

Don't skip meals.

If the players saw this amount,

they would've agreed to it.

Now I know what his intention is and just how...

to deal with him.

Yes.

Oh, right.

I got a text from Seo Yeong Ju.

He wants to have a drink with us later.

Come in.

Have you been well?

- Yes, thanks to you. - Have a seat.

Mr. Ko, you've always been...

like clear water.

Me?

When you were the head of the scouting division,

you said it didn't matter if you were a coach...

or a general manager.

You hurt people's feelings and left.

Now you became an agent?

Come to think,

you're like water...

because you suit any position.

And you're like clear water...

because you're transparent.

About the salary negotiations,

Mr. Baek won't back down that easily, right?

You just...

have to insist on not signing your players' contracts.

I injured...

my finger when I was a player, so I'm bad at signing.

People will start talking if the negotiations don't go smoothly.

What will happen if the negotiations aren't finalized...

until spring training?

People will lose faith in Mr. Baek.

He will try to take responsibility and resign.

In that case,

we will need someone...

to fill his place.

Someone...

like clear water.

You must be going through a lot in order to cleanse the Dreams.

Cheers.

They're here.

Come join us.

We can't talk in this mood. Let's talk later.

Be considerate of me.

I'm a busy man. Let's talk here.

Don't you know she'll feel uncomfortable?

- Wait outside. - No.

I'm the head of the management division.

It's my job to have him sign the contract.

Did you bring the contract?

The 500,000 dollars is not an option.

Why are you drinking hard liquor when you have hemorrhids?

Take a seat first.

Stay outside for a second, girls.

So 500,000 dollars isn't an option.

Will doing this make you understand the pain in my knees?

You might bring me a new contract if you emphasize with me.

You're insane.

Hey, head. You just crossed the line.

You crossed the line first!

Subtitles by KOCOWA

(Stove League)

What do you want to get from this negotiation?

His goal is to give Mr. Baek a hard time regardless of the price.

A negotiation that's more satisfying for us.

We have no intention in giving you another offer.

I guess you're having trouble signing contracts.

- Who do you want from our team? - I'll be more desperate.

Why do you have so many problems, Mr. Baek?

Gil Chang Ju.

You're good at your work,

but you're way too rude.

We don't need someone like that.

Ripped and synced by gabbyu's subs.