Military commitment clouds Choo’s future
March 1, 2010
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP)—As one of baseball’s rising young stars, Shin-Soo Choo(notes)has a bright future.
Due to circumstances beyond his control, the Cleveland Indians outfielderand native of South Korea is uncertain if that future will be interrupted.
Choo put together a solid all-around season in 2009, but he faces apotential problem that has nothing to do with baseball. South Korean men arerequired to serve two years in the military by the time they turn 30 years old.Choo will be 28 in July and will have to deal with this issue soon.
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“It’s hanging over my head a little bit,” he admitted.
Choo has options. The best alternative would be to play for the South Koreanbaseball team in the 2010 Asian Games, which will be held in November. Choowould need to get clearance from the Indians to participate. If South Korea winsthe gold medal, Choo said his military obligation would be waived.
The situation would become more complicated if Choo doesn’t play on the teamor if South Korea doesn’t win the tournament. He’s reluctant to go into detailssince this is a sensitive issue in his country, where his success with theIndians has turned him into a well-known figure.
Choo could refuse to return to South Korea or apply for citizenship in theUnited States, but he realizes that decision may not be well-received in hiscountry, where people follow his performance on a daily basis.
“I try not to think about it,” Choo said. “It’s the same as last year. Ididn’t think about it then. The only thing I know how to do is play baseball.”
Choo has gotten some good-natured questions about the situation from histeammates.
“They’ve asked me about it and I told them, don’t worry, that I’ll be withthem,” he said.
Choo, who bats and throws left-handed, had good numbers across the boardlast season. He hit .300 with 20 homers, 86 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. Choo tiedfor fourth among American League outfielders with 11 assists.
“I think I’m getting better at everything, not only hitting, but defenseand stealing bases,” Choo said. “I want to keep getting better. That’s my goalevery year.”
New manager Manny Acta is getting his first look at Choo, but has beenimpressed with what he’s seen early in camp.
“He sticks out the way he swings the bat,” Acta said.
Choo’s improvement could cause another problem for the money-consciousIndians. Although he can’t be a free agent until after the 2013 season, he’ll beeligible for arbitration following this season unless he signs a multiyearcontract. The fact Choo recently hired Scott Boras as his agent probably won’thelp the Indians’ chances of reaching a deal.
Choo, however, is comfortable playing in Cleveland.
“I like being with the Indians,” he said. “I feel like I’m at home here.I want to stay a long time.”
NOTES: The Indians will play intrasquad games Tuesday and Wednesday. Actasaid OF Grady Sizemore(notes), coming off groin and elbow operations, won’t playTuesday and will DH on Wednesday. … RHP Jake Westbrook(notes), returning from TommyJohn surgery, threw batting practice for the first time Monday without anyproblems. … RHP Jason Knapp, acquired from Philadelphia last season in theCliff Lee(notes) trade, has reported to early minor league camp. The Indians expectKnapp, who had shoulder surgery last year, to pitch at some point this season.… RHP Tom Mastny(notes), who pitched for the Indians from 2006-08, signed a minorleague contract. He pitched in Japan last season.
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