By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
When Cleveland Indians outfielder Choo Shin-soo started this season on the disabled list, he was expected to have a sub-par season, filling a pinch-hitting or defensive sub role.
But since he joined the hitting-heavy Indians' roster, the 25-year-old batter has brandished a hot stick.
The left-handed swinger hit a three-run home run, the second of the season, off veteran right-handed hurler Livan Hernandez of the Minnesota Twins Thursday.
Along with the dinger, Choo, who batted seventh and played right fielder for Cleveland, added an infield single in his previous at-bat, while scoring three runs against the American League Central division rival on the night.
As of Thursday, former Busan High School standout posts two homers, eight RBIs and as many runs with a batting average of .323 in 11 games.
Choo, who also worked on the mound at high school, signed a $1.35 million contract with the Seattle Mariners right after being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and best pitcher at the World Junior Baseball Championship in 2000, and made his big league debut on April 21, 2005 with Seattle.
Choo, a nephew of former Lotte Giants star player Park Jung-tae, was traded for Ben Broussard one year later, and appeared in 45 games to notch three home runs and 22 RBIs with a .295 mark.
Last year, an elbow injury held him to just six games and he had a Tommy John Surgery in September. Following rehabilitation programs, he returned to the ground midway through May with the Buffalo Bisons, the Indians' Triple-A affiliate.
After playing 12 games in the minors, Choo, nicknamed the ``train,'' was called up to the U.S. Major Leagues on May 31 for the first time since his last game against the Baltimore Orioles on April 29, 2007.
Although joining the Indians in the middle of the season, the outfielder, who can play in both right and left fields, surely has a chance to play as a full-time big leaguer.
Among the Indians' outfielding corp, other than All-Star center fielder Grady Sizemore, there is no lock-down player.
David Dellucci, Ben Francisco, Franklin Gutierrez and Choo are doing the outfielder job.
Journeyman Dellucci hits .235 with seven homers and 24 RBIs, while two-year pro Francisco has three home runs and 20 RBIs with a .309.
Venezuelan Gutierrez records three long balls and 17 RBIs, batting .253.
Should Choo, who has aggressive baserunning and a strong shoulder, stay the course, he could be a top contender for the role.