Seattle Mariners sign starting pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo – MLB News
The Seattle Mariners have signed former Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed starting pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo to a one-year contract on late Tuesday night.
The other details of the contract are yet to come in the media but some Major League sources do confirmed as Kuo’s deal includes bonuses and incentives.
Playing in the Dodgers' roster for five years, many believed that this decision is somewhat linked to his level of performance in 2011. He played relatively well in the Dodgers' roster, but his problems with his elbow certainly put him in a very tricky situation where the team management could not hold the same level of confidence in him as they used to show in the past.
Not only was he not given the chance to play again in the franchise but the Dodgers also declined exercising team options on him. Later he filed for free agency and signed where he thought best for his future career.
Dodgers' manager Don Mattingly had explained regarding Kuo’s game and from those comments, many experts extracted some presumptions that led to his signing with a different team this year. Mattingly said, "He couldn't put the ball where he needed to. That's pretty much what he said. I listened to him carefully, and I have so much respect for him now, after all he's been through. It's just one of those things."
Though, Kuo has signed a deal with the Mariners now but earlier in September 2011, Kuo had also stated a clearer idea as to why he did not even know where he will be playing next season. He said, “I needed a break. I love baseball and that's why I keep going. If I want to still play and somebody wants to give me a try, I play. If not, fine with me as well. I'll miss it. But I don't want to play unless I enjoy it again.”
However, whatever the outcome now, Kuo has signed with the Mariners and is likely to play well whenever the next season starts. His past performances will also help him to play solid in the Mariners' roster.
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