Choi Ji-man (31. Pittsburgh Pirates) boarding Lee Kang-cheol failed.
KBO said, “On the 5th in Korean time, the WBC Organizing Committee, WBCI (World baSeball Classic Inc) informed the KBO that Choi Ji-man (Pittsburgh Pirates) could not compete in the WBC,” he informed on the 6th.
Instead of Choi Ji-man, SSG Landers outfielder Choi Ji-hoon was selected as a substitute. It is unclear whether Choi Ji-man will join or not, so a replacement card has been considered early.
KBO said, “Pittsburgh has a medical obinjection) was expressed. Accordingly, the WBCI held an injury review committee to deliberate on whether or not to allow Choi Ji-man to participate in the WBC, and the decision was made.”
Choi Ji-man underwent surgery to remove bone fragments in his right elbow in Korea last November. During his rehabilitation, he needed permission from the club. In Pittsburgh’s situation, it is not a pleasure to send Choi Ji-man in this state to the international stage. The affiliated team may object to being selected for international competitions for reasons such as the player’s health.
In addition, Choi Ji-man is in a situation where he is confronting the Pittsburgh club over the salary for the 2023 season. He did not see a contract agreement until the deadline for salary negotiations. Choi Ji-man asked for an annual salary of 5.4 million dollars, and the club offered 4.65 million dollars.
For various reasons, Lee Kang-cheol-ho was preparing for Choi Ji-man’s eventual failure to join. Technical Committee, including Technical Committee Chairman Beom-Hyeon Cho, coach Kang-Cheol Lee, and coaching staff prepared for a situation in which only Choi would be difficult to join at the entry stage, and prepared for the selection of additional players through in-depth review. 먹튀검증
Choi Ji-man said, “I really want to go (to the WBC) before leaving for the United States through Incheon International Airport on the 8th of last month. But the team hasn’t decided yet. He continues to appeal to the team. The team will check your physical condition first. I am waiting for now,” he said.
He also said, “I was hungry because I had never worn the Taegeuk mark. He has already been playing with Korean players for over 13 years. So he had so many thoughts that he really wanted to do it. In the past, there were many things like the Premier League, the Olympics, and the WBC. But it was a pity that he couldn’t jump. I had a strong desire to go.” However, due to his physical condition, he was unable to wear the Taegeuk mark again.