Choi Ji-man joins the WBC national team, but can choose a ‘different position’
“If it is difficult for Choi Ji-man (32, Pittsburgh Pirates) to join, there is a possibility that a player in another position will be selected. Still, it is best for Choi Ji-man to join.”
Attention is focusing on whether ‘Korean Major Leaguer’ Choi Ji-man will join the WBC (World Baseball Classic) national team. First of all, Lee Kang-cheol (57), the head coach of the national team, said that he was “waiting for a call.” However, he has already made another plan in case his joining fails.
On the 27th, director Lee Kang-cheol met with reporters at Incheon International Airport ahead of his departure to the United States and opened up about whether or not Choi Ji-man would join. Director Lee said, “I haven’t been contacted yet, so I’m waiting. There is still time until the final list submission deadline. I’ll wait a little longer.”
Choi Ji-man, who has been on the Major League (MLB) stage since 2016, was named to the WBC national team list. Choi Ji-man played in 113 games this season, with a batting average of 0.233, 11 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 36 points with an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.729.
This is the first time Choi Ji-man has worn the Taegeuk mark. Choi Ji-man is also burning his will to participate in the tournament. Prior to leaving the country on the 8th, he said, “I have never worn the Taegeuk mark before. So I am hungry (for the Taegeuk mark),” he said. indicated
There are just variables. First of all, it is whether or not Choi Ji-man’s rehabilitation is successful. Choi Ji-man suffered from elbow pain throughout last season, and after the season ended, he underwent surgery to remove bone fragments in his elbow in Korea in November of last year. At the time of the surgery, he was told that he would have no problem preparing for the season if he went through the rehabilitation process for about 8 to 12 weeks. Currently, he is focusing on rehabilitation in the United States.
Another variable is whether or not the Pittsburgh team allows it. Choi Ji-man said, “The club has not decided yet. I am conveying to the team that I want to continue playing in the WBC. The team said to make a decision after checking my physical condition. I am waiting for now.”
The WBC is a tournament organized by the Major League Secretariat, and big leaguers can participate. However, the club may object to the selection of the national team for reasons such as the health of its players.
Here, Choi Ji-man failed to agree on his salary contract with Pittsburgh until the deadline for salary negotiations. Accordingly, Choi Ji-man’s new salary will be decided by the Salary Adjustment Committee. After Choi Ji-man and Pittsburgh each presented their desired annual salary, the Salary Adjustment Committee raised one hand. Once this issue is resolved neatly, it is expected that we will be able to discuss the issue of participating in the WBC with the club.
Coach Lee is preparing for the eventuality of not participating. He said, “(Choi Ji-man) heard about the salary adjustment application and prepared for the selection of a substitute player. Still, it is best for Choi Ji-man to join.” 메이저사이트
Currently, the WBC national team has a first base defensive resource named Park Byeong-ho. Other players can also play the first base position. Manager Lee said, “Kim Hyun-soo, Park Hae-min (above LG Twins), and Choi Jeong (SSG Landers) are capable of defending first base. If it is difficult for Choi Ji-man to join, we can select a player in a different position,” opening up various possibilities. put