The Korean Baseball Organization has added depth to its top league by attracting two MLB pitchers to take their talents to Korea this season. Scott Richmond, formerly of the Blue Jays, has signed with the Lotte Giants to a one-year, $600K deal, reports Naver, a Korean news service. Joining Richmond in Korea will be former Orioles pitcher, Dana Eveland, who has agreed to a contract with the Hanwha Eagles, according to Naver.
Richmond, 33, will provide the Giants with his 6-foot-5 frame and his 7.4 K/9 ratio which may even improve once he arrives in Korea. Unfortunately the native Canadian has only pitched in four Major League games since 2009. The Giants will turn to Richmond to provide strength to their rotation, which means he could get an extended look even if he begins to struggle.
Eveland, 29, has played consistently in the big leagues since 2005 but saw 2012 as a struggle that may have led to his decision to head to Korea. Both a starter and a reliever, Eveland enjoyed his season in 2008 with the A's as he posted a 4.34 ERA with 6.3 K/9 and 4.1 BB/9. Eveland earned $750K with the Orioles last season, points out MASNSports.com's Roch Kubatko, but the left-hander is only scheduled to take home $675K in Korea.
