Embracing Kang is not worth seeing
has put the team in a really bad spot because of his foolish and criminal actions.
That’s why Coonelly and Huntington want to bring back Kang.
It’s not because the Pirates have more tolerance for alcohol abuse than other organizations. Coonelly had a DUI in December 2011 and Clint Hurdle is a recovering alcoholic. And it’s not because Pirates management wants to help Kang as a fellow human being. If he were a minor league player, he would have been released immediately in December. The heck with trying to help him get his life in order. Does anyone really doubt that?
No, the only reason the Pirates are pushing so hard for Kang to get a work visa so he can come back into the States is his ability to help the team.
Pardon me for being so cynical.
“It’s not going to be something we signed up for, but, at the same time, we’re ready and equipped to move forward,” Huntington said Sunday on his 93.7 The Fan radio show when asked about not having Kang for opening day Monday in Boston and, perhaps, for much, if not all, of the season. We’ve got a good Plan B in place.”
Huntington mentioned Dave Freese as the Pirates third baseman or some combination of Freese, Adam Frazier, Phil Gosselin and Josh Harrison. It’s hard to imagine any combination being as good as Kang. Even if it is, it will weaken an already questionable bench. The Pirates aren’t nearly as good without Kang.
Coonelly and Huntington know this. They believe you know this, as well. They know there might be a shortterm adverse reaction to Kang being back in the Pirates lineup — if it happens — but they are counting on that negativity passing quickly. They probably are right. There was little blowback last summer after news of the Chicago case. Kang remained a fan favorite. He will be a fan favorite again once he starts hitting home runs and driving in runs.
Maybe Coonelly and Huntington aren’t the only ones who should feel ashamed.
“It may not be rational, but I’m opportunistic that Jung Ho is going to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates this year,”Coonelly told KDKAAM Monday morning. “He understands that once he comes back, he’s got no more chances. There are zero more chances for Jung Ho Kang. But … ” Here’s the sad kicker: “… we’re going to put our arms around him.” I don’t want to see that. I don’t know about you, but I really don’t want to see Kang again in this country.
Ron Cook: rcook@post-gazette.com and Twitter@RonCookPG. Ron Cook can be heard on the “Cook and Poni” show weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 93.7 The Fan.