Kim Angered by Indians
By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
South Korean manager Kim In-sik complained about the Cleveland Indians meddling in Choo Shin-soo's inclusion on the national team, Monday.
Ahead of the Pool A title match between Korea and Japan at Tokyo Dome on the same day, the Major League Baseball (MLB) officials visited Kim and confirmed that the Indians outfielder was not available for the title game.
Choo, 26, who complained about pain in his left elbow during practice on March 2, was allowed to play three games as only a designated hitter in the first round of the tournament by the WBCI Disability Review.
As a result, Choo, who already played in three games and wanted to play as a pinch runner, sat out the night.
``Of course, we have to respect the Indians' opinion, but the Korean team doctor and Choo say he is all right,'' the 62-year-old boss told reporters.
``If Choo is doubtful for a game, we do not forcedly put him in the lineup.
``But what Cleveland has to keep in mind is the national team might be rewarded in accordance with its achievement and Choo has to play well in games to be a beneficiary.''
The 2006 Korean team players got unplanned military exemptions after reaching the semifinals.
Although it has not been settled yet, if the national team gets higher marks than 2006, that possible prize cannot be ruled out.
Korean athletes can skip military service in cases where they win a medal at the Olympics or a gold medal at the Asian Games.
The left-swinger's status in the second stage is uncertain as Cleveland will examine Choo with team doctors at the Indians' spring training camp as soon as the Korean team flies to Arizona to train for the second round.
Choo, who hit .309 with 14 home runs and 66 RBIs in 2008, has been the biggest headache for manager Kim and his coaching staff.
As the Indians disapproved releasing the left-swinger, who had elbow surgery in September 2007, for the Korean team, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) Secretary-General Ha Il-sung flied to the United States in January to ask the MLB about his participation.
Cleveland required South Korea to use its player as an outfielder once and as designated hitter for the remainder of the first round.
But due to the elbow pain, he was limited to three games as a designated hitter.
He went 1-for-7 with a walk and three runs in three games.