Expert: Joe Kenney - 8/30/2000

Question
Have you see Mr Choi play yet? I was at a recent Chattanooga Lookouts game here in Chattanooga and this kid hit 3 out,barely missed a 4th and played a great 1st base.  

Answer
Stephen-
Thank you for the question.  I have not had the chance to see Hee Seop Choi (or "Chop Suey" as he is know as in his native Korea) play, however the reports my scouts are giving me are all favorable.  He will hit for a high average, with ample power (including opposite field power), and will have a favorable walk to strikeout ratio.  His defense is currently average, but he's working on it, and his speed is subpar.  But how fast do you need to be to circle the bases after you jack a homerun out of beautiful Wrigley Field?  

Chop's tentatively scheduled to take the first base reigns from Mark Grace in 2002, however he could get his cup of tea towards the end of next season and learn a thing or two from the Cub's Legend.  Grace's steady, clutch hitting and stellar defense will never be forgotten, but with Chop the future is now.  He has youth on his side and with Chop, Sammy, Patterson, White, Lieber, Quevedo, Luis Montenez, and Woody....2002 on is looking like a run towards a dynasty.  When a World Championship comes to the Northside, I'll be right there in the middle whooping it up.

Thank you for your question and support of the Chicago Cubs,

JOE