Chan Ho Park said he wanted to wear red pinstripes instead of blue this year.
If new Phillies relievers Danny Baez and Jose Contreras falter in their roles on the 2010 Phillies team, GM Ruben Amaro will have some major questions fired at him, especially after Chan Ho Park made it known toThe Inquirer’s Andy Martino today that he wanted to stay in red pinstripes.
Instead of returning to a clubhouse he deemed as fun, the Phillies best long reliever decided to jump ship and sign with the defending champions — the Yankees. Park wanted a raise from the $2.1 million he made last year, and the Phillies and his agent couldn’t come to terms. The Phils then moved on, and Park was left to sign for just over $1 million with the Yankees.
Of his offseason signing with the Yankees, Park told Martino, “I had a wish after the season,” he said. “Philadelphia was the no. 1 choice. I had a tough time leaving there. I had much support from fans and community, and I had the best teammates there, so…”
Park also addressed comments made by Charlie Manuel that appeared to be directed at Park. He said his new relievers will pitch through inuries. Park said he was a bit disappointed in Uncle Charlie’s comments, but the big man is still his favorite manager.
