Park Chan-ho in starting line-up

By Cho Mu-hyun

Hanwha Eagles Park Chan-ho will begin the season as a starter.

“The five pitchers for the starting line-up have been decided,” said Eagles manager Han Dae-hwa before the start of their last exhibition match against Kia Tigers on Sunday. “Park Chan-ho will start the season with the first squad.”

The 38-year-old former Major League player’s performance was disastrous in the preseason, unlike the solid play shown during the spring training camp in Okinawa. He recorded a 12.96 ERA, and admitted he was having difficulty adapting to the different style of the domestic league.

“He is an experienced player. He had difficulty coming to Korea with the special law and all,” said Han. “I believe he will do what is required of a starter with his rich experience to back it up.”

The other four starters are Ryu Hyun-jin, Brian Bass, An Seung-min and Yang Hoon. Kim Hyuk-min, currently out with a hand injury, will likely replace Park if he fails to live up to his name.