ALMOST SNUCK ONTO THE PHILS' TRUCK
Paul Hagen reporting ...
Righthander Chan Ho Park said in a press conference in Seoul today that he has agreed to a 1-year contract with the Phillies. The deal is pending a physical, much like the agreement with leftfielder Raul Ibanez.
According to the Korea Times, Park, 35, will have a base salary of $2.5 million with incentives that could push the total package to $5 million.
There had been reports that the Phillies were close to coming to terms with Park to improve their bullpen. However, the pitcher said he opted for the Phillies in part because they viewed him as a starter.
“I was a little worried about the Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Phillies, which is hitter-friendly,” he said. "But as they considered me a starter, I signed with Philadelphia.”
Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Joe Blanton will fill three spots in the rotation. If Jamie Moyer re-signs, that would leave Park to compete with J.A. Happ, Kyle Kendrick and Carlos Carrasco for the fifth spot.
He was 4-4, 3.40 in 56 appearances for the Dodgers last season, but had a 2.16 ERA in five spot starts.
“Five teams (Giants, Diamondbacks, Royals, Blue Jays, Phillies) contacted me and the Phillies made the biggest efforts among them,” Park said. “I selected Philadelphia because they are the World Series champions and have high expectations for a playoff berth next season.”
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Also on High Cheese on this busy morning ...
Look for more later as Chase Utley meets with the media for the first time since his hip surgery. Got a question for Chase? Dave Murphy wants to know what you think the media should ask.
Plus, Chris Coste makes his first public comments on the trade the Phillies made last week to bring in another backup catcher.
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