Kim Tae-kyun, clockwise from top left, Lee Bum-ho, Kim Sang-hoon and Jang Sungho are all eligible to file for free agency. / Korea Times File |
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), Thursday, released the list of 27 players who are eligible to file for free agency.
A pair of Hanwha Eagles infielders, first baseman Kim Tae-kyun and third baseman Lee Bum-ho, are expected to be two of the most sought after players in the free agent class.
Among teams, the Eagles and Heroes have the most potential free agents with six and the 2009 Korean Series Champion Kia Tigers, runner-up SK Wyverns and the Seoul-based LG Twins each have four. The Lotte Giants have two free agents and the Samsung Lions have just one.
The list includes nine infielders, five catchers, seven pitchers and six outfielders.
Kim led all players in home runs at the second World Baseball Classic and was the 2008 home run king in the KBO, while Lee has twice represented Korea at the WBC.
Tigers veteran Lee Jong-bum could also test free agency. The 39-year-old, who helped the team to its first championship in 12 years, really wants to return to the Tigers but the team's coaching staff may not be ready to welcome him back. Lee averaged .273 with six home runs and 40 RBIs in 123 games last season. The team wants him to have an honorable retirement this season and take on a coaching role with the team. When he does quit, he is expected to move abroad for coaching training and eventually take on a role with the team's coaching staff.
Lee, however, appears to still believe that he can contribute as a player.
Tigers infielder Jang sung-ho and catcher Kim Sang-hoon are also on the list.
Jang recorded a .284 batting average with seven homers and 39 RBIs last season. He has a .306 batting average with 195 dingers over his 14-year career.
Kim didn't have a great regular season, batting just .230 with 12 home runs. But his presence behind the plate in guiding the team's pitchers made him a valuable asset in the Korean Series.
Lions leadoff hitter Park Han-yi will also generate interest as a free agent.
Players are eligible for free agency after playing at least 2/3 of the games (133 innings for pitchers) in each of nine seasons. Also, if a player is registered with one of the first-league teams for more than 150 days, that also counts as a season, even if the player does not play.
Qualified players have until Monday to file for free agency and the list of players will be released Tuesday. At that point, free agents can negotiate with their own teams for 10 days (until Nov. 12) and if they fail to reach an agreement, the players can then negotiate with any team until Jan. 15. Those who remain unsigned at that point cannot play in the 2010 season.
yc@koreatimes.co.kr
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