The KBO Loves Fukuoka

Well, maybe not, but they seem to be interested in their white guys.

I get the impression that SK is interested in C.J. Nitkowski. At least, that's what this Naver article leads me to believe. The veteran left hander has spent the past 2 years in the NPB with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Last season, C.J. posted a 4.64 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 39 appearance for the Hawks. If he signs with SK he will probably be used to stabilize the backend of the SK bullpen.

Also, according to Naver KIA is talking to Rick Guttormson. Rick is a 4 year vet of the NPB. After struggling in the minors for 7 years, Guttormson found his niche as a starting pitcher for Yomiuri and Fukuoka in the NPB. Last year, Rick finished 5-7 in 100 innings. He posted a 4.05 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. If he signs he'll probably start the season as KIA's #2 or 3 starter.

KBO Throws Out the First Pitch on April 4

The KBO's 2009 Opening Day will be on Saturday, April 4 according to this article from the KT. 2 time defending champ, SK, will open the season at home against Hanhwa. Doosan will face KIA in Seoul. Samsung will take on LG in Colorful Daegu and Lotte will open the season in Busan against The Heroes.

I'm not sure what The Heroes will do for sponsor this year. I keep seeing the old Woori logo used in articles about the team. I'm starting to get the impression that the KBO has painted themselves into a corner with this team. Actually, I'm just happy we still have 8 teams.

Doosan Bears Add a Foreign Bat

This weekend the Doosan Bears signed outfielder Matt Watson for the 2009 season.

Matt Watson was originally drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1999. He saw his first big league action in 2003 during a cup of coffee with the Mets and was up again with Oakland in 2005. Watson is no stranger to Asia. He spent part of the 2006 season and 2007 with the Chiba Lotte Marines of the NPB. In 10 minor league seasons, Watson has posted a career OPS of .839. He definitely projects as a middle of the order presence in the KBO and will likely be protecting Doosan's big bats in the 4 or 5 slot. Welcome to Korea, Matt!

Unable to Find an Offer in Japan, Kim Dong-ju Returns to Doosan

The Doosan slugger re-upped for one more year with the Bears. I'm assuming he'll try this Japan thing one more time next year. He's tried and failed twice to make the jump across the "East Sea" to the Chiba Lotte Marines. His new deal is said to be worth 700 million won. There's no word on whether or not this will affect his status for the WBC, but I have to think he'll sit that one out.