Report: Hyun Soo Kim refuses minor league assignment

TAMPA - The Orioles have hit a major roadblock in their attempts to persuade outfielder Hyun Soo Kim to accept an assignment to the minor leagues.

Kim's Seoul-based representatives at Leeco Sports Agency issued a statement tonight saying that the outfielder has informed the club that he won't agree to the assignment. Word has been passed along via Yonhap News Agency

"Kim would like to see his contract honored and executed faithfully," the agency said. "He also hopes to receive fair opportunities to continue his career as a major leaguer with Baltimore."

The Orioles can keep Kim on their 25-man roster or release him and eat the $7 million on his two-year deal, which he signed in December.

Kim's deal stipulates that he must give his consent to be sent down to the minors.

The Orioles have met with Kim on three occasions, including today, while trying to reach an agreement on an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. He hasn't played since Saturday and is batting .182 with no extra-base hits in 44 at-bats.

Kim was projected over the winter as the starting left fielder, but Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard apparently will be given first crack at holding onto the job. Nolan Reimold also remains in camp and is out of options.

Opening day rosters must be set by Sunday at noon.

Kim is determined to play in the majors, according to people close to him, and doesn't want to return to Korea without reaching his goal. The Orioles don't believe that he's ready and want to extend his spring training at Norfolk.

Earlier today, executive vice president Dan Duquette explained the club's stance on the Kim situation.

"The Orioles are happy Kim is on board, but we feel the player needs more at-bats to prepare for the season, which unfortunately we don't have now in Baltimore and it's the reason the club requested that the player consider an optional assignment," Duquette said. "We recognize player rights and are glad to have him in the organization. We all look forward to his contributions to the club after he's had more time to adjust to his new surroundings.

"All the club is asking him to do is take more time. We're glad to have him in the organization. The organization is fine with him."

Manager Buck Showalter was waiting for an outcome before confirming whether Kim would accompany the team to Philadelphia for Friday night's exhibition game.