In this photo taken Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, U.S. Major League pitcher Chan Ho Park of South Korea speaks during a press conference in Seoul, South Korea. Park said Monday that he has signed a one-year contract with the World Series champion New York Yankees that guarantees the South Korean right-hander pitcher $1.2 million. (AP Photo/Yonhap, Jeon Soo-young)
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — South Korean right-hander Chan Ho Park took part in his first workout with the New York Yankees on Sunday.
The 36-year-old agreed to terms last week on a $1.2 million, one-year deal with an additional $300,000 in incentives.
“He’s a guy we’ve noticed the past few years, how he plays up out of the bullpen,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “I think our bullpen is a strength, to be honest. When Chan Ho Park was still on the (free agent) board this late and the ability to get him at $1.2 million, I thought that there was real value there. He makes us deeper.”
Park went 3-3 with a 4.43 ERA in 45 games with the NL champion Philadelphia Phillies last season. He worked 3 1-3 scoreless innings against the Yankees in the World Series.
“He got big outs for Philly,” Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez said. “Had a great year last year. He was a great weapon and hopefully can be the same for us.”
Park threw to hitters at home before leaving for the United States and said he will be “ready” for the start of the regular season. The veteran pitcher said it was tough to leave Philadelphia.
“It’s an honor to be with the Yankees,” Park said. “It wasn’t an easy decision. A lot of teams (inquired). I had fun last year. Good memories. That makes me sad.”
Park threw on flat ground and will join closer Mariano Rivera in working off a bullpen mound on Monday.
Also, Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes — the front-runners for the fifth starter spot — both had their second batting practice session.
“They’re both great young pitchers,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a great luxury for us to have. You can throw balls up in the air and whoever comes down, the Yankees are the winner. A good problem to have.”
Hughes and Chamberlain are scheduled to pitch Friday against Tampa Bay. The other pitchers in the fifth starter mix, Chad Gaudin, Alfredo Aceves and Sergio Mitre will take the hill in Wednesday’s Grapefruit League opener with Pittsburgh.
Expected opening day starter CC Sabathia threw BP for the first time. The left-hander makes his first spring training start Thursday against Roy Halladay in the right-hander’s Phillies’ debut.
“None,” Sabathia said about any added significance facing Halladay in spring training. “He’s a great pitcher. If I face him in the season, I’ll probably be more concerned because I’ll probably have to hit.”
NOTES: Rodriguez faced Hughes in BP and hit a pair of hard shots to the wall. … To make room for Park on the 40-man roster, RHP Edwar Ramirez was designated for assignment. … Cashman said he is not monitoring any other major-league free agents.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
