| [ SportsLeisure ] in KIDS 글 쓴 이(By): erala (꼬리리) 날 짜 (Date): 1998년02월16일(월) 12시36분45초 ROK 제 목(Title): [AP] 이상훈 기사 NEW YORK (AP) -- "Do we hear $500,000? "$1 million? "Come on teams, a 26-year-old pitcher. And a left-hander!" Just when fans have become accustomed to drafts and $75 million contracts, Major League Baseball has added a new twist: an auction. South Korean baseball officials notified the commissioner's office that they are selling Sang-Hoon Lee to the highest bidder. "The best left-handed pitcher in Korean baseball wants to be the best in the major leagues," says an advertising flier sent to all 30 major-league teams this week. "Throws hard (93 mph), Good slider." Lee was 10-6 with a 2.11 ERA, and 37 saves last season for the LG Twins in Korea. "No later than 12 noon ET on Friday, Feb. 20, 1998, all clubs should advise our office by FAX as to whether or not they have interest in acquiring Lee," says a memo sent to teams Thursday by Bill Murray, executive director of baseball operations for the commissioner's office. "If you have interest, the FAX should contain the amount of your cash offer to the LG Twins should your club sign Lee. LG Twins will be notified as to which major league club (if any) made the highest cash offer. LG Twins will then grant permission for that club to negotiate a major or minor league contract with Lee." Teams can examine the merchandise before making their bids. Lee is scheduled to work out Wednesday at Cerritos College for three hours. The auction is taking place in response to the San Diego Padres' deal to acquire Hideki Irabu last season. After San Diego acquired his rights from the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan's Pacific League (which they later traded to the New York Yankees), the ruling executive council instituted a freeze on major league teams dealing directly with foreign clubs. According to Murray's memo, the council wants to "assure all 30 major league clubs ... an equal opportunity to acquire such players as they become available." "The LG Twins are offering the right to acquire negotiating rights with Lee to the major league club that makes the highest cash offer," said Murray's memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press. Lee led Korea's baseball league in wins in 1994 (18-8) and 1995 (10-5), then switched to the bullpen. His career record in five seasons in 60-31 with a 2.56 ERA, 25 complete games, eight shutouts and 47 saves. |