It was reported yesterday that the Cubs are interested in Chan Ho Park.
He resurrected his career somewhat over the last two years, especially with his performance in the playoffs with the Phillies. Most people were surprised to realize that Park was still in the major leagues!
Park is 37 years old. His last outstanding season was in 2001 with the Dodgers.
If the Cubs were to sign him, I would assume it would be as a setup man for Carlos Marmol.
Honestly, I don't like this idea. Park could very well be an effective pitcher for the Cubs, but I have been hoping the Cubs could sign a pitcher who would be a mentor to the younger players that the Cubs have out in the bullpen. I'm not sure Park could really provide that.
Now, with that being said, Park, a Korean, could be a nice addition to an organization that has a number of Korean players working their way through the minor leagues. They have yet to have had a successful Korean product emerge. (Hee Sop Choi was the closest, but he is now playing in Korea.) For the investment that have made in players from that country, Park could be helpful.
But I don't think that is enough to have Park take up a spot on the roster. With his age, and the high possibility that his struggles from 2002-2007 might return this season, I don't think that the risk is worth it.
I think the Cubs should keep looking for that setup man.
