Park Still on Rough Road
By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
South Korean pitcher Park Chan-ho's hopes to stage a comeback to the U.S. Major Leagues still faces a rough road.
The Houston Astros signed Park, 34, to a minor league contract last month after he had been released by the New York Mets and pitched four games with the Astros' Triple-A affiliate, the Round Rock Express.
``We'll look to see what's happening here at the major league level. If not, we'll let him go,'' Astros general manager Tim Purpura said to the Houston Chronicle after completing a contract with Park.
He said Park is expected to get as many as four starts at Round Rock before a decision is made.
In his four outings, South Korea's first export to the Major Leagues posted a 1-2 record with a 4.09 ERA.
Other than his first start, in which he allowed seven runs in three innings, his last three appearances were quality starts.
His record, however, is not the only solution to his return to the big leagues.
Although Houston is ranked fifth in the National League Central division, 12 games behind division leading Milwaukee Brewers as of Tuesday, the Astros' starting rotation does not need him desperately.
The rotation is made up of Roy Oswalt, Jason Jennings, Wandy Rodriguez, Chris Sampson and Woody Williams.
Except for Williams, who is 3-10 with a 5.58 ERA, the four starters have respectable stat sheets _ Oswalt (7-5, 3.42 ERA), Jennings (1-3, 3.69), Rodriguez (5-7, 4.23) and Sampson (6-5, 4.15).
In addtion, Williams's high salary of $6 million doesn't allow Houston to demote the 40-year-old veteran as easily as the Texas Rangers did to Park.
He signed with Texas for $65 million but he won only 22 games and recorded 23 losses in his four seasons there.
Park needs to prove he can still compete to be called up.
Houston promoted right-hander Matt Albers and lefty Mark McLemore instead of the South Korean hurler last Friday.
Although they are assigned to the bullpen now, Albers is considered to be the No. 1 contender for the starting rotation in case a current starter is injured.
The Houston Chronicle also said Tuesday Albers, who has a record 1-6 with a 6.35 ERA in his two-year Major League career, would be used to start by the Astros.
For now, Park is expected to wait for Houston's decision rather than to test the free agent market.
He has a right to opt out of the Astros whenever he wants but it is a wise decision to stay with Houston until July because of the trade deadline.
And as the date approaches teams are scrambling for a player to strengthen their roster.
It will be the best opportunity for Park, 13-year veteran, to find a team who needs him if he doesn't pitch for Houston until that time.