The KBO told Reuters it asked an explanation for why MLB had not informed discussions between the Orioles and Kim. According to the KBO, Korea has only 50 high school teams particitating regular season or contest.
“We have sent an official complaint to MLB,” said Michael Park, the KBO‘s operations manager, quoted by Reuters, “We were told they will look into the case. They are investigating whether the Orioles did sign Kim to a contract.”
Teams signing Korean player need to make inquiries with the KBO first. “We are cooperating with MLB to resolve this concern,” said Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette.
Kim signed with the Orioles on Jan. 30. Duquette quoted in the press release as saying, “We are glad to sign a player that our scouts feel is one of the top amateur left-handed pitchers in South Korea. Kim has an excellent curveball and very good control.”
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com