Major League Baseball (MLB) Pittsburgh Pirates general manager said, “I understand” Choi Ji-man’s disappointment when he failed to participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
On the 11th (Korean time), Pittsburgh general manager Ben Sherington appeared on the American podcast Odash and explained the background of Choi Ji-man’s absence from the WBC.
Earlier, on January 4, Choi Ji-man was listed on the final roster of the Korean baseball team, but on the 6th, two days before the entry deadline, he failed to join the national team. The WBC Organizing Committee notified the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) of Choi Ji-man’s inability to participate in the tournament for medical reasons. Accordingly, the Korean national baseball team selected Choi Ji-hoon (SSG Landers) as a substitute player.
The Pittsburgh club has opposed Choi Ji-man’s participation in pre-season competitions, citing the fact that he underwent elbow surgery last November.
After missing the opportunity to wear the Taegeuk mark for the first time in his life, Choi Ji-man said, “I went through the rehabilitation온라인카지노 process normally and recently there was no problem enough to bet live. It hurts,” he said.
Regarding this, general manager Sherington said, “Choi Ji-man is proud to be a Korean and has an attachment to the Korean national team. He must have wanted to play in a tournament that many people are interested in.” I think. I understand his disappointment.”
Pittsburgh gave away right-hander Jack Hartman to the Tampa Bay Rays after the end of last year’s season and recruited Choi Ji-man, who underwent surgery shortly after the trade.
Sherington general manager said that he pursued the trade after recognizing the fact that only Choi had to go on the operating table.
He said, “Before we recruited Choi Ji-man, we knew that he needed surgery.” It is very natural for the team to be concerned about a player’s participation in the WBC when he is suffering,” he explained, explaining why he opposed Choi Ji-man’s participation in the WBC.
He continued, “I can understand Choi Ji-man’s disappointment with the club’s decision. Disappointment and understanding look different, but they can actually coexist.”
The 2023 season is very important for Choi Ji-man because he will qualify as a free agent (FA) if he plays just one more season. Pittsburgh decided that a long-term absence from the WBC would help Choi Ji-man prepare for the season.
“It is important for Choi Ji-man to successfully finish this year’s season,” Sherington general manager emphasized. “There is no problem between Choi Ji-man and the club.”