O's Showing Strong Interest in Korean Pitcher Chong Tae-Hyon

[Jordan Tuwiner]

The Orioles have been talking to Korean Pitcher Chong Tae-Hyon, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. Tae-Hyon is a submarine-type pitcher who pitched in the World Baseball Classic in 2009.

It is rumored that he has signed for a 2 year, $3.2 million dollar contract, according to MyKBO.net. Tae-Hyun is the first Korean player to go directly to the MLB if the signing is true, according to MyKBO.net.

Brief scouting report from Don: Submarine style pitcher in the Clay Rapada mold. Sinking fastball is staple pitch, extreme ground ball pitcher. He is not over-powering, but the arm angle and movement keeps him effective.

[TuckerBlair89]

He is a decent gamble in my opinion. However, you just never know with international prospects.
While one could argue that 3.2 mil might be a little much for this type of RP, I am glad to see the Orioles taking the initiative in Korea.

[Shorebirdfan]

3.2 million for two years is at least a minimal amount to invest. Paid Rowell what, $2 million?

Not really where I want to see the off season focus, but the willingness to look international is at least a sign in the right direction.

[Matt P]

I like it.

[Why Not?]

Should be an effective ROOGY at the very least. Maybe a bit pricy, but he doesn't cost a player like Street would.

[birdwatcher55]

Is this a done deal?????

[Rising O's]

Its supposedly done, just waiting on the physicals to come back and they likely won't with the holiday upon us. So probably Friday with press conference Monday?

[birdwatcher55]

Thanks for the heads up... Duke's first big signing LOL

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Its supposedly done, just waiting on the physicals to come back and they likely won't with the holiday upon us. So probably Friday with press conference Monday?

Sounds like that's the plan.

[osforlife]

Bullpen looks to be shaping up. The Orioles have a 3-headed-monster for late innnings in Johnson, Strop, and Simon. O'Day, Gregg, and Chong figure to be solid middle relief. With Patton as the long-man and Phillips as the LOOGY. I like it.

[BuckMagic]

Bullpen looks to be shaping up. The Orioles have a 3-headed-monster for late innnings in Johnson, Strop, and Simon. O'Day, Gregg, and Chong figure to be solid middle relief. With Patton as the long-man and Phillips as the LOOGY. I like it.

This is exactly the kind of bullpen they have needed for sooo so long! Home grown, cheap bullpen. Finally they have it.