Byung-ho Park: Hitting for power will define MLB career
Byung-ho Park is officially en route to the United States to take a physical and engage in contract negotiations with the Minnesota Twins, and he's optimistic it's only a matter of time before he begins his career in the majors.
"I hope to be playing in as many games as possible," Park said prior to boarding his flight. "I am approaching (the upcoming contract talks) with a positive mind."
The Twins secured exclusive negotiating rights with the slugger Nov. 9 with a bid of $12.85 million, giving the two sides a 30-day window to hammer out a major-league contract.
The 29-year-old is coming off an incredible campaign for the Nexen Heroes, blasting a Korean Baseball Organization-best 53 homers, while collecting 146 RBIs in the homer-happy league. However, Park knows he has some work to do in order to enjoy the same success against big-league pitching.
"I'm going to have to face hard-throwing pitchers, and my ability to hit for power will make or break my big-league career," Park said. "I will do the best I can, feeling proud of being in the league with the greatest players in the world. There will be difficulties along the way but I will try to adjust."
One of the issues signing Park presents for the Twins is where to slot him in the lineup. Veteran Joe Mauer has a stranglehold on first base, the Korean's natural position. Slugger Miguel Sano almost exclusively served as Minnesota's designated hitter upon his promotion to the bigs, but he's learning how to play left field this year in winter ball.
"I have no problem being the DH," Park added. "Obviously, I prefer to take the field but I also have to make adjustments in a new environment."
Park is expected to command a contract somewhere between $20 million and $30 million.