While home fans were complaining about Choi Ji-man (32, Pittsburgh Pirates), Pittsburgh general manager Ben Sherinken defended the player.
Choi Ji-man has been walking parallel lines with his new team, Pittsburgh, throughout the offseason. He first set up a confrontation over the annual salary. Choi Ji-man asked for 5.4 million dollars, but the club offered 4.65 million dollars. Choi Ji-man eventually applied for an annual salary adjustment.
Recently, disagreements have arisen over participation in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), which will be held in March. The club announced its policy of not participating in the tournament for Choi Ji-man, who underwent elbow surgery last fall. Eventually, the WBC organizing committee held an injury review committee and sided with the club.
Choi Ji-man expressed his disappointment through a domestic management company. He said, “Recently, I haven’t had any problems with live betting. I’ve been building my body well according to the schedule for the first round of the WBC토토사이트, but I’m disappointed and heartbroken that my dream has collapsed due to the surrounding environment against my will.” The KBO selected Choi Ji-hoon of the SSG Landers as a substitute for Choi Ji-man.
The Pittsburgh local media ‘Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’ reported the news on the 7th (Korean time) and said, “It has become difficult for both sides to start with a good relationship.”
Some Pittsburgh fans voiced criticism over Choi Ji-man’s move. In this situation, General Manager Sherington participated in a local podcast and conveyed his thoughts. He said, “Choi Ji-man was proud of being a Korean. He also has an attachment to the national team. He must have wanted to participate in a tournament (WBC) that many people are interested in.”
Next, general manager Sherington said, “Before we recruited Choi Ji-man from the Tampa Bay Rays, we knew he needed surgery. The recovery process was also predictable.” I am not having a normal season. As a club, I have no choice but to be concerned about participating in the WBC.” He also conveyed that he understands the disappointment expressed by Choi Ji-man’s decision. He also did not forget to say that there is no problem between the club and the players.