Choo may land big contract

Now that Choo Shin-soo seems unlikely to be donning military fatigues, the Cleveland Indians

would like the outfielder to wear their uniform for as long as possible.

The Indians expect Choo to be exempted from military service for leading South Korea to a

9-3 gold-medal win over Taiwan in the Asian Games on Friday.

“We have not received official word, but based upon our understanding prior to the tournament

and past precedent, it will be waived,” new Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said.

Working out a long-term deal with Choo’s agent, Scott Boras, has been one of Antonetti priorities

since he replaced new team president Mark Shapiro as GM last month.“It is something we will

explore,” Antonetti said. “He is under club control for the next three years, but we understand his

value and hope he will be a Cleveland Indian for a long time. We certainly will try to work through

this project with Scott.”

The 28-year-old Choo is eligible for salary arbitration this winter and even if the process does not

go to a hearing, he will get a huge raise over the $461,100 he earned this year. He was Cleveland’s

most productive player, hitting .300 with 22 home runs, 22 stolen bases and 90 RBIs. He hit .571

(8 for 14) with three homers and 11 RBIs in the Asian Games, including two hits and two RBIs

in the title game.

“I am kind of dreaming right now,” Choo said. “Honestly, if I didn’t think about the military service,

I might be a liar. But it wasn’t the primary reason to join the national team. I love baseball, and

whenever I put the national flag on the (uniform) shoulder, I am really proud of my nation and myself.”

중국 광저우 아시안 게임의 남자 야구부분 금메달의 일등공신 '추신수 선수'의 글을 영문으로 작성된

코리안 저널리스트 소식임.

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