Staying Put
Despite Wanting to Play in Japan, Kim Will Likely Remain With Bears
By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Although it is what Kim Dong-joo wanted least, he has to continue showing off his formidable power for domestic baseball fans, as his last resort to play in Japan, the Yokohama BayStars, gave up on acquiring the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO)'s most coveted free agent.
The Sankei Sports, a Japanese sports daily, reported Wednesday the BayStars had rejected an offer by Kim's side, which was eyeing a two-year, 4 billion won deal.
With his hope of playing in Japan blown, the 32-year-old slugger is expected to return to the KBO's Doosan Bears, where he has played for 10 years since his rookie season in 1998.
After last season, the Seoul-based team offered Kim 6.2 billion won for four years, but could not attract its third baseman, who was desperate to play in Japan.
Kim's flight to Japan on Sunday raised speculation that he neared signing with the Japanese side, but the BayStars, who have six imported players on their roster, closed the negotiation.
Low-budgeted Yokohama could not meet Kim's requirement, and the presence of Central League home run king Shuichi Murata, who also plays third baseman, hampered Kim from moving to the Japanese league.
The Bears and Kim are expected to have talks about his signing before long, but the amount of money that was proposed before is not likely guaranteed. The team announced last week that it would withdraw its former offer to pressure lingering Kim to sign.
``With time passing by Jan. 15, the amount will decrease,'' the Bears said.
Jan. 15 is the deadline for a free agent to sign with a team. Unless Kim and the Bears complete an agreement by the date, he cannot play next season.
Despite being incapable of awarding him big money, the Korean Series runner-up Bears are not likely to cut their offer too much because Kim has contributed to the team as their undisputed franchise player. He had 19 home runs, 78 RBIs and 123 hits with a batting average of .322 for the Bears last season.
In addition, if Kim still wants to play in Japan later, he is expected to have a shot at signing a two-year contract.