Another Talent Departs Korea [02-12-2011] |
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The Korea Baseball Organization한국야구위원회 may have to say farewell
to the power
slugger Lee Dae-ho of the Lotte Giants. Sources have confirmed that the veteran, who debuted with the Giants in 2001, refused to sign a new
contract with the Busan-based club. Lee will be pursuing new
opportunities in Japan.
Although his team tried hard to retain
him, even offering 10 billion won in a four-year deal,
Lee declined. It was the league’s biggest offer. The current record for the highest signing was Sim
Jeong-soo’s 6 billion won contract with the Samsung Lions in 2004. After ending
his 11 years with the club, the 29-year-old will be sitting down with Japanese
agents
to find the most suitable team.
Lee’s departure will leave a huge
blow for the Giants and their fans. “I was grateful for the offer, but I must follow
my dreams,” Lee said in a recent interview. Lee averaged .357 with 27 home runs, leading the team to the postseason. | | |