Bears Re-Sign Kim Hyun-soo
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
The Doosan Bears have made their top hitter Kim Hyun-soo the highest paid fifth-year batter in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
The Bears announced Thursday that Kim will receive 250 million won ― double his previous salary - in 2010. Last year, Kim hit .357 ― third best in the league ― with 23 home runs and 104 RBIs.
Some expected he would surpass Ryu Hyun-jin of the Hanwha Eagles, who will make 270 million won, as the league's top paid fifth year player.
Meanwhile, free agent Jang Sung-ho has finally re-signed with the Kia Tigers, inking a one-year deal worth 250 million won.
"I don't want to quit baseball," Jang said. "I will prove my value this season."
Jang had struggled to find a team since becoming a free agent after a below-average season in 2009. The 32-year-old hit .284 with seven homers and 39 RBIs. He is a career .306 hitter with 195 long balls and 882 RBIs in 13 seasons.