Worst Day of Chan-Ho

Degrading to the fourth starter, pitching in relief which was his first such appearance for the past four years, and the worst outing in 8 years since his ML debut…… It was a bad day, a really bad day for him.

Having expected to be a $20 million player as a free agent next year, Park Chan-Ho (28, LA Dodgers) fell to `a man in crisis`.

In game with San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, Park took the mound as a relief after a week break due to the terrorist attacks on the U.S.. Shaving the goatee and having an unprecedented batting practice before the game, Park showed his desire to win. But he surprisingly crumbled on the mound.

Even though it was a relief following a starter Kevin Brown in the 1-1 tying seventh inning, there was no reason Park might feel bad. Manager Jim Tracy had said before the game, ``Although he is scheduled to start in game with Arizona on 21st, Park is available to be used in relief in this game.``

Park blew out the chance given to him. Park walked a lead-off hitter Ricky Henderson, and allowed a double to D`Angelo Jimenez and a walk to Ray Rankford only to bring about the crisis of no-out full base. After he was hit a two-RBI double by Phil Nevin and allowed one more walk to Bubba Trammell, Park stepped down from the mound. As the Padres earned two more runs with sacrifice hits from Dodger`s third pitcher Eric Gagne, Park`s ER increased to four.

The loss drops the Dodgers (78-66) to four games behind the Diamondbacks in the National League West and two games behind the Cardinals and Giants in the Wild Card race. Park, who had proudly been unbeatable before the all-star break, now recorded 13 wins and 11 losses with 3.41 ERA.

Manager Jim Tracy showed how much he has been thirsty for a win, by putting a closer Jeff Shaw in a chasing situation. He said that Brown would start in game with Arizona on 22nd, which is only three days later.

However, requesting the off-the-record, Park`s agent Scott Boras exposed the strong complains against Manager Jim Tracy, coaching staffs, and the crippled management of the Dodgers.

Meanwhile, Diamondback Kim Byung-Hyun saved the team`s 7-3 victory with the perfect 9th inning in an away game with the Colorado Rockies.

Zang Hwan-Soo zangpabo@donga.com