Sports Briefs

VOLLEYBALL

Few surprises as FA signings conclude in pro volleyball

Free agent (FA) signing for professional volleyball in Korea have come to an end. While most of the FAs decided to stay put, some players failed to finalize their contract.

Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) announced Tuesday FA deals for the next season. In the men’s division, Ahn Jun-chan renewed his contract with Seoul Woori Card Hansae for 110 million won ($92,000). Libero of Daejeon Samsung Bluefangs Kwak Dong-hyeok decided to extend his contract as well.

For women, Han Yoo-mi renewed her contract with Suwon Hyundai Engineering & Construction. Han led the team last season to win the V-League championship.

In comparison, players such as Lim Dong-kyu of the Cheonan Hyundai Capital Skywalkers, Baek Mok-hwa and Lee Yeon-ju of Daejeon KGC failed to reach an agreement with their respective teams. According to the KOVO rule, FAs who failed to sign contract before May 31 will not be able to play in the next season at the V-League.

BASEBALL

Mariners’ Lee walks to base during rout of the Padres

Lee Dae-ho of the Seattle Mariners played as a pinch hitter for the team and walked to base on Wednesday during the home game at the Safeco Field against San Diego Padres.

In the rout of Padres, where the Mariners defeated the San Diego club 16-4, Lee went into the game in the bottom of the seventh inning replacing designated hitter Nelson Cruz.

Against Padres reliever Leonel Campos, Lee grabbed a base-on-ball and got to the first base.

Lee got to the second base when the next batter Kyle Seager walked during the subsequent play.

Wednesday’s base-on-ball was Lee’s fourth in the season.

Coming out of a three-run home run from the previous day, Lee’s batting average for the season as of Wednesday remained at .267 after the game.

By Choi Hyung-jo