New Yank Park sad to be ex-Phillie
All things considered, Chan Ho Park would rather be in Clearwater. That was the obvious sentiment former Phillies reliever Chan Ho Park expressed yesterday in nearby Tampa, where he took part in his first workout with the New York Yankees.
All things considered, Chan Ho Park would rather be in Clearwater.
That was the obvious sentiment former Phillies reliever Chan Ho Park expressed yesterday in nearby Tampa, where he took part in his first workout with the New York Yankees.
Park, 36, was said to be seeking a raise from the $2.5 million he earned when he went 3-3 with a 4.43 ERA in 45 games with the Phillies last season. He worked 3 1/3 scoreless innings against the Yankees in the World Series.
The Phillies decided to add Danys Baez and Jose Contreras to the bullpen instead. Park last week agreed to terms with the Yankees on a 1-year, $1.2 million deal with an additional $300,000 in incentives.
"It's an honor to be with the Yankees," Park said. "It wasn't an easy decision. A lot of teams [inquired]. I had fun last year. Good memories. That makes me sad."
Park threw to hitters at home in South Korea before leaving for the United States and said he will be ready for the start of the season.
"He got big outs for Philly," Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez said. "Had a great year last year. He was a great weapon and hopefully can be the same for us."
"He's a guy we've noticed the past few years, how he plays up out of the bullpen," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "I think our bullpen is a strength, to be honest. When Chan Ho Park was still on the [free agent] board this late and the ability to get him at $1.2 million, I thought that there was real value there. He makes us deeper."
Noteworthy
New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes said he met with federal investigators last week regarding a Canadian doctor accused of selling an unapproved drug.
Dr. Anthony Galea is facing four charges in his country related to the drug known as Actovegin, which is extracted from calf's blood and used for healing. His assistant also has been charged in the United States for having HGH and another drug while crossing the border in September.
Galea is known for using a blood-spinning technique - platelet-rich plasma therapy - designed to speed recovery from injuries. Besides Reyes, he also has treated Tiger Woods and several other professional athletes.
"They just asked me basically how I met the guy and stuff like that and what he put in my body," Reyes said.
Reyes, who missed much of last season with right leg problems, said he spent 5 days in Toronto in September and was treated by Galea three times during the stay.