When Korean major leaguer Choi Ji-man (31, Pittsburgh Pirates) was unable to attend the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC), Japan seems to be quietly welcoming.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced on the 6th that Choi Ji-man’s participation in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) was unsuccessful.
Pittsburgh, citing Choi Ji-man’s history of elbow surgery, expressed his disapproval, and the WBC Organizing Committee accepted it, and his absence was finalized.
Choi Ji-man, who had never worn a national team uniform before, was immersed in rehabilitation after elbow surgery and burned his will for the WBC, but this time his dream was also dashed.
With the retirement of Lee Dae-ho, it is regrettable that Choi Ji-man, who has only one shot, left as a national team without a first baseman.
The KBO replaced Choi Ji-hoon with outfielder Choi Ji-hoon (SSG Landers), who has the ability to carry and deliver, but it is regrettable that Choi Ji-hoon, who is a threat to the opponent both in terms of name value and actual ability, cannot participate.
When Choi Ji-man’s absence from the WBC was confirmed, the Japanese media dealing with Korea all reported on it and showed great interest. 스포츠토토
“Full Count,” a Japanese baseball organization, said, “As Choi Ji-man, who has slugging power after hitting 11 homers in Tampa Bay last year, was absent, voices are pouring out in Korea.”
“Korea’s second baseman and shortstop are much higher than Japan’s, but Choi Ji-man’s absence has given Japan an advantage overall,” he added.
‘Sports Hochi’ also said, “Left-handed batter Choi Ji-man, who played 486 major league games and hit 61 homers, was expected to become the mainstay of the Korean national team. However, he was left out of the national team.” power has been weakened.”
Meanwhile, Korea and Japan, who are in Group B in the first round of the WBC, will face off on the 10th of next month at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.