Free Man! Park Chan-Ho

`Adieu~, Dodgers`

The LA Dodgers declared `the virtual farewell` to free agent (FA) Park Chan-Ho (28).

Nov. 20th is the last day of A 15-day mandatory hands-off period after the World Series that were given to the teams to negotiate with their own free agents. However, according to a report, the Dodgers have never contact the representatives of Park Chan-Ho.

The LA Times reported that General Manager Dan Evans did not speak with agent Scott Boras while the club had exclusive negotiating rights that expired yesterday. Boras said that Evans had not returned a phone message he left so that he was so surprised. "I don`t know what the vision is with the Dodgers, because I haven`t had a chance to talk to Danny." added he.

General Manager Evans declined the LA Times` request for an interview, and through Derrick Hall, senior vice president, said he would not comment.

The Times reported that sources said the club did not plan to re-sign the right-hander Chan-Ho Park.

Park`s high salary is the first reason why the Dodgers has not interested in Park, No.1 among the free agent pitchers. The Dodgers can hardly stand the burden of a long-term contract with a salary of more than $14 million. Moreover, Park`s relatively poor record after the all-star break (7 wins and 6 losses, 4.40 ERA) disappointed the team.

General Manager Evans said in an interview that without Park Chan-Ho and Terry Adams, the Dodgers could construct a powerful mound with Kevin Brown, James Baldwin, Eric Gagne, Luke Prokopec, and Terry Mulhollander.

Considering the current situation of the Dodgers organization, the Dodgers seemed have decided not to bring back free-agent pitcher Chan Ho Park. It would not be interested in the contract until Park`s salary fell to a `dirt-cheap` price.

Now, the dice is in Park`s hand. Park cannot negotiate with all 30 major league teams including the Dodgers from 21st. Park has the right to choose the team that makes the best offer before next season begins. Boras has taken the optimistic stance, saying, "many teams have shown their interests in Park."

However, the immediate scout offer can hardly be made, and the general mangers are expected to hold an active negotiation in the regular `winter meeting`.

The baseball sources reported that the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles (American League), and New York Mets (National League) are expected to make offers.

The rich Yankees is comparing Park and John Smoltz (Atlanta Braves), and the Boston Red Sox should consider the alternative in case that Nomo Hideo may leave. The Baltimore whose mound got old needs a young gun desperately. The Mets is also most possible bidder because Manager Bobby Valentine highly evaluated Park Chan-Ho, and a lot of Koreans living in New York would sharply increase the ticket sales.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com