Chan Ho Park Sent Down to Minors

Chan Ho Park signed with the New York Mets for an opportunity to be a starting pitcher with a successful club. He was unhappily sent to the bullpen this week before being optioned to AAA New Orleans this weekend.

As expected, they have chosen to keep Mike Pelfrey around instead and will recall him in two weeks when they need a fifth starter.

The Mets pondered whether to keep 11 or 12 pitchers - eventually going with 11 - keeping the actual reliever in hard-throwing righty Ambiorix Burgos rather than the converted one in Park.

With the Mets’ first three series coming against St. Louis, Atlanta and Philadelphia, each with powerful lineups, manager Willie Randolph and General Manager Omar Minaya said they couldn't find it necessary to carry a pitcher who has trouble getting loose quickly... Park allowed three runs in three innings in his two relief appearances.

“The minor leagues may be a better fit for me,” Park said. “I’m going to focus on being here and getting ready for my starts and throwing six or seven innings again.”

Since he has accumulated five years of service, Park had the right to turn down the assignment to the minors, but he said he accepted the option because he was excited at the chance to start for New Orleans. He hopes to be the first pitcher recalled in case of an injury, considering the club used 13 starting pitchers last season.

[New York Times]