Pittsburgh general manager “I understand only Choi who was sorry for the club that stopped participating in the WBC”
Reporter Han Nam-jik = Choi Ji-man (32, Pittsburgh Pirates) expressed disappointment at the club’s decision not to participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Some fans of Pittsburgh, where the team’s performance is important, did not understand the disappointment Choi felt and voiced criticism.
However, Pittsburgh general manager Ben Sherington (49) understands Choi Ji-man’s feelings.
Director Sherington appeared on the American podcast Audacy on the 11th (Korean time) and said, “Choi Ji-man is proud that he is Korean. He also has an attachment to the Korean national team. A tournament that many people are interested in (WBC ),” he said. “I understand how disappointed Choi Ji-man felt.”
When Choi Ji-man failed to join the 2023 WBC Korean national team according to the decision of the WBC Organizing Committee, “I am very disappointed and frustrated by the decision not to participate.” There was no problem enough to do live batting (training to hit a pitcher like a real game). The disappointment is so great and (heart) hurts.”
Choi Ji-man underwent an elbow bone fragment removal surgery last November.
The Pittsburgh club recently conveyed its intention to oppose participation in the WBC Organizing Committee, citing Choi Ji-man’s surgery history.
In response, the WBC Organizing Committee held an injury review committee and notified the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) of the decision that only Choi could not participate.
General Manager Sherington said, “Before we recruited Choi Ji-man as a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, we knew that Choi needed surgery. The recovery process was also predictable. Choi Ji-man is recovering smoothly, but (As much as he had surgery), he is not spending this offseason normally. As a club, we have no choice but to be concerned about participating in the WBC. 스포츠토토
“It is understandable that Choi Ji-man is disappointed with the club’s decision. Disappointment and understanding can coexist,” he added. .
Choi Ji-man gets the qualification as a free agent (FA) after the end of this season.
Director Sherington said, “The 2023 season is very important to Choi Ji-man. The reason why we decided not to participate in the WBC was because we wanted Choi to achieve the best results this year.” There is no problem,” he stressed.
