The Korea Herald

소아쌤

Twins' Park Byung-ho sees 'nothing straight' in 1st live batting practice

By KH디지털2

Published : Feb. 28, 2016 - 13:00

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After facing live pitching for the first time since joining the Minnesota Twins, South Korean slugger Park Byung-ho said Saturday he didn't see anything straight at the plate.

The Twins had their first full workout here in Florida, and Park, who signed with the Twins earlier in the offseason after getting posted by his South Korean club Nexen Heroes, faced actual pitching for the first time since competing at the Premier 12 tournament in November.

And his impression: There was "nothing clean."

"I am lucky I didn't break my bat," Park said. "The pitchers had to work on their stuff, and they offered two-seamers and sinkers, among other pitches that moved."

Park had been working out on his own for a few weeks and had done some hitting in indoor cages.

"I wanted to see as many pitches today as possible," added Park, who faced Tommy Milone and Michael Tonkin.

Park enjoyed his second straight 50-homer season in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) before making the jump to the United States. Though he'd primarily been a first baseman back home, Park is expected to be the designated hitter with the Twins, with former MVP-winning catcher Joe Mauer now occupying the bag at first.

Park could occasionally spell Mauer at first, with the 32-year-old veteran coming off a disappointing season with a .265 batting average and 10 home runs.

Though the two could be competing for playing time on the field, Park said he and Mauer have been getting along just fine.

"We leave the competition on the field," Park said. "And that's professionalism."

Park said he didn't know his KBO splits as DH but switching to DH full-time in the majors won't affect him that much.

"If I am asked to DH, then I have to make adjustments accordingly," he said. "I am trying not to pay attention to what the media or fans are saying (about how I may do this season). I am also being cautious because I don't know that much about the culture around here. I will only worry about getting into as many games as I can."

Park was a slow starter in recent KBO seasons, but he'll try not to get stressed out that much even if he gets off to another so-so start in 2016.

"I am trying not to get too ahead of myself in spring training," he added. "I'd like to get to about 70 percent and fill up the rest during preseason games (in the Grapefruit League)." (Yonhap)