Korean major leaguer Choi Ji-man (32) and his new team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, seem to be in a creaky state even before the official start. From this year’s salary to whether or not to participate in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), players and clubs are walking parallel lines every time. 온라인바카라
Pittsburgh local media Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on the 7th (Korean time) that Choi Ji-man’s participation in the WBC was canceled due to opposition from the Pittsburgh club, saying, “It has become difficult for both sides to start with a good relationship.” Choi Ji-man was named in the final 30 entries for the WBC Korean national team announced on the 4th of last month, but he gave up his dream of becoming a Taegeuk mark because he did not receive permission from the club. Waiting for an answer from Pittsburgh, the KBO selected SSG Landers outfielder Choi Ji-hoon (25) as a substitute.
Choi Ji-man has yet to play a single game in a Pittsburgh uniform. After his last season, he was traded from his former team, the Tampa Bay Rays, to Pittsburgh. Two weeks after his transfer, he underwent surgery to remove a bone fragment in his right elbow and began rehabilitation. Pittsburgh, citing this surgery as a reason, conveyed its intention to oppose participation in the WBC Organizing Committee. MLB clubs can exercise the right to refuse participation in the WBC only for their players with a history of injury or surgery.
Choi Ji-man was greatly discouraged. In an unusual way, through the management company, he conveyed the position, “I don’t know how happy I was when I was included in the WBC national team list. The disappointment and frustration caused by the decision not to participate is very great.” He even protested that he was in good enough physical condition to go to the WBC. “I underwent elbow surgery, but I returned to the US and went through the rehabilitation process well. Recently, there was no problem with my hitting enough to bet live,” he said. I’m disappointed and heartbroken that my dream was ruined with “,” he repeatedly expressed his regret.
Choi Ji-man and Pittsburgh have already set up a confrontation over this year’s annual salary. Choi Ji-man asked for 5.4 million dollars, but Pittsburgh offered 4.65 million dollars. After failing to narrow the difference in the amount of 750,000 dollars (approximately 940 million won), he eventually applied to the MLB secretariat for an annual salary adjustment this season. Choi Ji-man’s annual salary is determined by one of the two amounts according to the results of the Salary Adjustment Committee to be held within this month.
When Pittsburgh blocked even Choi Ji-man from participating in the WBC in an already awkward situation, the local media also began to pay attention to the discord between the two sides. ESPN recently cited Choi Ji-man as one of the strong trade candidates, mentioning that he will become a free agent (FA) at the end of this season. In less than four months since he came to the new team, the possibility of another transfer is raised.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said, “It seems that Choi Ji-man’s annual salary adjustment committee will be held the latest (among the players who applied for this winter).” It is unlikely that an agreement will be reached beforehand,” he said.