Citing pressure from other Seoul-based teams (the Doosan Bears and LG Twins), the Korean company known as KT, has pulled its offer off the table and will not take over the former Hyundai Unicorns franchise.

This is creating an odd situation. The Unicorns had already started spring camp, wearing their old uniforms, anticipating an announcement of the new team logo and colors. Now, if the KBO contracts the franchise, they may all be out of work and placed on waivers for the remaining seven teams to scavenge.

• As of this moment the KBO is considering the following three options:
• Contract the franchise and play the season with seven teams
• Pay for the team itself with league funds
• Find another company willing to buy the team

The second option would seem to be the best, and the league suits will meet this week to discuss the options. Look for a decision sometime this week.

When Love Calls Attack

Kim Dong-ju’s ongoing contract saga took an interesting turn yesterday as the All-star thirdbaseman’s agent revealed he’s been fielding “love calls” from major league teams about his client. Korea Beat has the story here.

While this idea isn’t impossible, it seems highly unlikely that Kim would draw much interest from American teams, particularly after the Japanese league passed on him just last week. This to say nothing of the fact that Kim would likely take a huge paycut to play in America since he’d be hard pressed to get much more than a minor league deal at this point.

Doosan also signed Gary Rath to a one year deal. Rath played in Taiwan last season.