By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
The Cleveland Indians gave permission Thursday to their outfielder Choo Shin-soo to participate in the second World Baseball Classic (WBC).
According to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), the Indians have officially agreed to allow Choo to take part at the baseball world cup, providing he passes a medical test.
The American League (AL) Central division powerhouse will start Spring Training on Feb. 25 against the San Francisco Giants.
The Cleveland plans to carry out the medical before the start of camp.
Though Choo has expressed his desire to play at the WBC, it was uncertain that the Indians, which finished third in the division behind the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins, would allow the South Korean to play.
As Choo, a four-year pro, was on the Disabled List (DL) for more than 45 days, he needed a permission from the Indians
The 26-year-old, who had elbow surgery in 2007, was placed on the DL until June 1.
Due to the government stopping the awarding of an incentive for participation ― such as military exemption ― the Indians had been cold to the idea of him appearing.
His possible participation in the WBC, which is held from March 5 to 23, is just before the Major League Baseball (MLB) season, and would cause Choo to miss part of the Indians' Spring Training and could affect his conditioning and preparation for new season.
Choo, who played well in the second half of last season, posted impressive numbers, batting .309 with 16 homers and 66 RBIs in 94 games
He also had a .397 on-base percentage and a .549 slugging percentage.
Choo was also picked for the MLB dream team by daily newspaper U.S.A Today, Tuesday.
Adding the major leaguer to the starting line up could give Korea much-needed support, because the Kim In-sik-led team has missed power hitters, such as Kim dong-joo of the Doosan Bears and Lee Seung-yeop of the Yomiuri Giants.
``Choo wants to play at the WBC. Irrespective of any prize, he thinks playing for his country is significant,'' a KBO official said.
Choo is currently training on his own in Arizona.