Grady Sizemore, 42, is an essential player while talking about Choo's big league career. After Choo was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Cleveland Indians in 2006, he spent time with the Cincinnati Reds again.안전놀이터

"Choo Shin-soo is one of my 'favorites'. I really enjoyed playing with him."

Sizemore, who met at Petco Park ahead of an away game against the San Diego Padres on the 21st (Korea Standard Time), said this with a bright smile as soon as he heard Choo Shin-soo's name.

Acting White Sox manager Sizemore has an interview. Photo by San Diego = Correspondent Kim Jae-ho
"He was a really good teammate, a really good player, and a good friend. I enjoyed all the time I had with him. He's a really special player, and he's a wonderful person both on and off the field," he said, recalling his old teammate.

Choo Shin-soo, who was a rookie when he joined Cleveland in the 2006 season, began taking chances in the big leagues from the 2008 season and has since established himself as the team's main right fielder.

"Choo has influenced the team since he was a rookie. I think he has unique talent. He can hit better than average, has strong power, and has good arm strength. He can do anything well. He is a good hitter, good at running, and good throwing and defense at the same time," Sizemore said, expressing his thoughts on Choo's talent.

We haven't been together for many seasons, but there are still many special memories between him and Choo Shin-soo.

"One day, Choo Shin-soo and his wife invited him to their home and served him Korean food," Sizemore said. "Thanks to this, I was able to taste Korean barbecue for the first time. It was really delicious. And he taught me karaoke for the first time," he said, recalling what happened between them.

When he heard the reporter's explanation that Choo Shin-soo has been playing in Korea since his contract with Texas expired, he said, "I didn't even know he was playing yet."

When asked if he has any advice for Choo, who is about to retire, he said, "Enjoy your life with your family." "I hope he was happy throughout his career. I hope he can prepare for the next chapter of his life," he added.

Sizemore, who played until 2015, took a year off from retirement and joined the front office in 2017 in a special advisory role for the Cleveland club, but stepped down to spend more time with his family.

The opportunity to work in the industry again came in 2022. Having been close to Josh Barfield, who was the director of player development at the Diamondbacks, based in Arizona, where he lives, he was able to work with the Diamondbacks club.

Later, when Barfield joined the White Sox as vice president, he moved the team together and was able to join the Major League coaching staff. After Pedro Grifole was replaced during the season, he took over as acting manager.

Choo was once rumored to have been appointed as a manager. Even if not right now, someday, Choo may return to the ground as a manager, just like his best friend did.

"Of course," Sizemore said when asked if he thinks Choo can be a coach. "Choo is a very attractive player that attracts everyone. Everyone liked him. He was respected a lot by everyone in his team. He has good energy and a good smile to make everyone move," he said, stressing that he is competent as a leader.