Today, 5:23 a.m., Incheon International Airport

Toting what one would guess is an authentic Yves St. Laurent travel bag, Jose Lima, new ace mercenary pitcher for the Kia Tigers of the KBO, arrived in a country where near-perfect knockoffs, often straight off the assembly line, can be had for just a fraction of the price.  

Limatime, understandably looking a little tired, politely answered questions from a horde of reporters, vowing to bring an already KBO-best 10th championship to Gwangju, proud home of the Kia Tigers franchise.

The pitcher also told reporters he’s set a personal goal of winning 15 games during the 2008 season, and discussed his perceptions of Korea and Korean baseball in general.

Lima will next head to Guam where the Tigers will begin their spring training on Jan. 9(!).