Park Chan-ho wants to play as starter next season

SEOUL, Nov. 10 (Yonhap) -- Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Park Chan-ho of South
Korea said Tuesday that he wants to play as a starter for a strong team to win
the World Series next year.

"I want to be a starter, the hero of the game who takes full responsibility,"
Park told a press conference in Seoul after returning home two days after the
World Series.
"I need a favorable environment to play better. I put priority on a team which
has a good atmosphere, gives me a starter role and can advance to the World
Series."
The 37-year-old Park is considering seeking another team, as his one-year
contract with the Phillies expires this year. But the Phillies are said to want
to keep him.
"I got a message from my agent in the United States. He said that the club wanted
to make a deal with me," Park said.
The righthander opened the 2009 season as a starter but his sluggish record left
him working as a relief pitcher, finishing 3-3 with a 4.43 ERA. But he performed
well at the new position and pitched in four World Series games against the New
York Yankees without an earned run. The Phillies were nudged by the Yankees 4-2.
"I had sleepless nights after we lost to the Yankees in the World Series. The
Yankee players are really good. They hit well and threw well," Park said of his
first-ever experience on the big stage.
"I'm satisfied with my role in the Series. I threw for my team in four games. It
was a very exciting and interesting experience."
Park debuted in the U.S. Major League with the L.A. Dodgers in 1994 and has since
played with the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres and the New York Mets before
returning to the L.A. Dodgers last year. He signed with the Phillies this year.
Park has recorded 120 wins in his 15-year Major League career.
brk@yna.co.kr
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