Posted December. 17, 2001 09:21,
Like spring comes with the cold weather in the blooming, there is likely to be a good news for `Korean Express` Park Chan-Ho after the gloomy period. Right after a self-criticism that the winter meeting ended without any success, Park`s agent Scott Boras made a bombshell announcement.
Remaining in Boston for an extra day for more sessions after the winter meeting ended, Boras announced in an interview with the LA Times on 15th that he declined the salary arbitration that the Dodgers offered to Park on 8th.
At first glance, his announcement did not appear to contain any significance, but it actually suggested a great deal of implications. First of all, we need to look at the timing when Boras announced the decline of arbitration offer. The free agents have until 20th to make arbitration decisions, whether to accept or to decline. But Boras declared rather early that he would not accept the Dodgers` offer. This means that he actually announced to unilaterally renounce the possibility for contract with the Dodgers that wanted one-year contract. To put it the other way, he has gained much confidence on the long-term big deal because of encouraging negotiations with other clubs at baseball`s winter meetings in Boston this week. Even though the free agent market was frozen, there are for sure a lot of demands on free agent pitcher No.1 Park Chan-Ho.
If Park resigns with the Dodgers, it would be a long-term contract, not one-year settlement. According to the MLB rules, the Dodgers can negotiate with Park until Jan. 9th next year.
"Many clubs want powerful young pitcher Park. I`m on my third and fourth meetings with some clubs about Chan Ho, and the pace is really picking up." Boras said confidently.
It is known so far that LA Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners and New York Mets have been interested in Park.