Cho Sung-min Puts Himself Up as Draftee Candidate with KBO

Cho Sung-min (30, former Yomiuri Giants) will come back next year.

Yesterday, Cho dropped by the KBO and applied for draftee status for the 2004 pro baseball season.

Cho said, "I have received treatment on my right shoulder and elbow. Now, I can throw and catch balls. I may not be designated in the first round. I don`t mind. As long as I can play baseball, I will go for any option."

Cho has undergone three surgeries throughout his career. Last October, Cho wrapped up his pitching career by resigning voluntarily from Yomiuri Giants. Watching the Korean Series between Samsung and LG last season, he realized he wanted to play more.

Seoul-based Doosan and LG can exercise the 1st designation right over free agent Cho Sung-min since he was a graduate of a high school in Seoul. Once the designation is not made within two weeks of the KBO notification, Cho will be put up for second drafting on June 30.

Hwan-Soo Zang zangpabo@donga.com