Ji-Man Choi has given up switch-hitting

[ABC]

TEMPE, Ariz. – Ji-Man Choi’s switch-hitting experiment is over, at least with the Angels.

 

Choi, who began switch-hiting last season in the Seattle Mariners system, has abandoned it at the suggestion of Angels coaches. He will hit exclusively left-handed.

 

“If that’s what the coaches want, I will follow their instructions,” Choi said through an interpreter. “It’s bittersweet because I can’t hit right-handed, but that’s what the coaches want, so I will do that.”

 

Manager Mike Scioscia said the Angels felt Choi's left-handed swing was better, and that is how they planned to use him more.

 

Choi, a Rule 5 pick, is one of the leading candidates for a spot on the Angels bench. He plays first base and left field. He is a career .302 hitter with a .401 on-base percentage in the minors.

 

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/hitting-708157-notes-switch.html

 

[ABC]

Switch hitting is overrated. Good move Sosh.

[Chuck]

Choi began switch-hitting last season while with the Mariners, but Angels coached suggested that he hits exclusively from the left side. "If that’s what the coaches want, I will follow their instructions," Choi said through an interpreter. "It’s bittersweet because I can’t hit right-handed, but that’s what the coaches want, so I will do that." Choi, a Rule 5 pick, was limited to 23 games last season in the minors due to a broken leg, but he's in the running for a bench job with the Angels this spring.

 

 

 

 

 

[Chuck]

He did look really bad against lefties in the few at bats I seen him this spring. He looks much more comfortable hitting lefthanded. 

[greginpsca]

I like Choi and Ortega both.

[laagamer]

Switch hitting is overrated. 

 

No

[Wallerrrr]

What a quitter

[totdprods]

I like Choi and Ortega both.

Same here. I can't quite see a way we'd have both on the Opening Day roster but like what they bring.

[Second Base]

The only way they keep both is if they put Gentry in AAA.

[Billy_Ball]

Isn't Gentry's contract guaranteed only if he makes the team?

[totdprods]

Problem is I've been happy with Gentry too and like the skills he has. Great speed and defense, plus hits lefties well. Now that Choi isn't switch-hitting, him and Ortega will be a little more limited against lefties. Ortega may just need to be the first OF called up when needed if Nava or Gentry struggle.

[Angel Oracle]

All of a sudden, the rotation becomes the biggest question mark?