He ended up blowing out his knee a month into the 2013 season and never seemed to find his offensive touch again in Durham. I still spent the last three years enjoying his defensive play which is quite good. Of course, I also still collected his cards. They are just a little cheaper and more plentiful. In fact, I recently picked up this gem from the 2013 Topps Heritage Minor League set. It's a mini Bazooka card scanned huge.
Towards the end of the season the Rays outrighted Hak Ju Lee, but he cleared waivers and stayed with the Bulls. However, this off season he became a Minor League free agent and signed with the San Francisco Giants. I am sure that he's not going to replace Brandon Crawford, but I would love to see him get up to the Majors at some point. Even if it's just for a cup of coffee. Kudos to the SF Giants Update on Twitter for finding this cool picture announcing his signing......
Anyway, I know the Rays have a glut of shortstops and we will have someone good manning the position next summer in Durham. It won't be Hak Ju Lee, but I hope he has a great year out west. Maybe I can find a few Giants cards of him this summer. It was good Hak Ju Lee, best of luck with the Giants.
I remember that bottom picture of Hak-Ju Lee. That was the day I met him and he signed a card for me.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! I know a few people who autograph around Durham and he seems to be a nice guy.
DeleteI always liked him when he was in the Cubs org, too things haven't panned out for him yet. Also, thanks for reminding me about that trade... ugh...
ReplyDeleteSorry about the reminder of the trade. I actually think that he could be a Brendan Ryan, defensive sub type, but it's going to have to be the right team. He's turned out to be the defensive shortstop everyone thought he would be, but his offense needs some work.
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