S. Korea left-hander poised to sign with Yakult Swallows: report

SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean left-hander Lee Hye-chun, who pitched for
the Doosan Bears until this season, is close to signing a two-year deal worth 160
million yen (2.5 billion won; US$1.7 million) with the Tokyo-based Yakult
Swallows, a Japanese daily reported Friday.

Lee, 29, was declared free following the Bears' second-place finish in the South
Korean league. He has been in Tokyo since Wednesday, touring Japanese clubs
hoping to size him up.
Sankei Sports reported Lee is satisfied with offers from the Swallows and likely
to sign with the team where South Korean right-hander Lim Chang-yong has also
played since last year.
The report came after the Yomiuri Giants denied they had entertained the idea of
signing Lee, reinforcing speculation Lee will lean toward the Swallows. South
Korean slugger Lee Seung-yuop is playing first base with the Tokyo-based Giants.
Lee, the pitcher, posted an earned run average of 4.69 with seven wins and five
losses this year. He began pitching for the Bears in 1998.