Pirates' Jung Ho Kang: Won't start spring training on time

Kang will miss the beginning of training camp due to his DUI trial in South Korea, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "It is not known how long the trial will last or when any sentencing phase that might be necessary would be scheduled," team president Frank Coonelly said. "We will continue to do whatever we can to assist he and his representatives in their efforts to resolve all necessary matters so that Jung Ho will be able to travel to the United States to prepare for and to play in the 2017 season, but his reporting date remains undetermined."

Analysis:

His trial is set for Feb. 22. Once the Korean courts have reached a verdict then Kang might still have to face possible discipline from Major League Baseball and the Pirates. His case involving pending sexual assault allegations from last summer in Chicago has not yet been resolved, either. As a result, it's easy to envision Kang playing less than a full season for Pittsburgh in 2017.