Top Korean 3rd baseman wants to play in MLB

[nikkachez]

 

Choi has hit .300 and posted an OPS over .900 each of the past four seasons playing for SK Wyverns while averaging more than 23 home runs.  Last season, he slashed .316/.429/.551 and belted 28 home runs, putting him amongst the offensive elite in the KBO.  Choi also demonstrated his speed, swiping 24 bases.

 

 

DFA Freese, not much else in the minors, Green's defense still a question there, why not look into making a move like this? Angels need to get more involved in the international market, need a third baseman, and he wouldn't cost a draft pick. Would also allow the Angels to focus on minor tweaks to the roster (ie: the bench, the bullpen, and possibly another starting pitcher.) What say you?

 

 http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/04/jeong-choi-aims-to-play-in-korea-next-year.html

 

 

[Redondo]

How much would it cost?

[nikkachez]

How much would it cost?

Good question, could be a bidding war since I imagine teams in need of a third baseman (a lot of teams) would be in the running, I could see the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, and maybe the Tigers if Castellanos' glove is bad at third being in the running

[AngelsAndRamsFan]

The OP sounds like he wants the Angels to make this move now. This guy wants to make the move to MLB next season.

[nikkachez]

The OP sounds like he wants the Angels to make this move now. This guy wants to make the move to MLB next season.

How so?

[AngelsFaninGA]

I would estimate that a line of .316/.429/.551 in Korea would translate to .210/.280/.440 in the majors. All that for $20+ annually. Pass.

 

I wouldn't be opposed to getting that kind of production for 20 bucks. 

[markb]

HIghlight reels are pretty meaningnless, but this is about the best there is video-wise out there.

 

[nikkachez]

I would estimate that a line of .316/.429/.551 in Korea would translate to .210/.280/.440 in the majors. All that for $20+ annually. Pass.

Based off offff? Not only do I feel like your projections are way off, but where the hell are you getting a $20 million AAV? Feel like you just pulled two numbers 2's from your ass 

[halonatic13]

That's a purrty swing.

[markb]

That's a purrty swing.

 

It definitely looks like he's modeled it after a certain disgraced Yankees third baseman.  

[Skram]

I agree that highlight reels don't mean much, but that looked like some MLB quality plays at 3rd base he was making.

[Tyler]

His swing looks like Hanley, but not as much strength.

[Halos of Anaheim]

If he was flirting with .400 in Korea, I would be all for it. Looks like he's just an elite player there though, not a once in a generational talent. He probably won't give us much more than Freese or Green could in a full season. And I still have hope for Cowart aswell, in the long run at least.

[Second Base]

The baseballs they use are different, they fly a bit further, more juiced, and as you can see, he's playing on a standard oriental (Japan & Korea) field, which means 95 meters down the line, 120 to dead-center.  In other words, 295 feet down the lines and 390 feet to center with a juiced ball, which is tiny by MLB standards.  He's also facing a lot of AA equivalent pitching.  

 

In other words, he looks like a major leaguer, but don't think for one second he's anything more than replacement level.  But then again, I've never watched him, perhaps MLB scouts like him and believe in him, ya never know. 

[HeavenlyHalos]

Having never seen him before, I am confident that he is better than Freese.

[Guest]

Freese is a world series MVP though.