The Hyun-Jin Ryu Presser and a Ryu Appearance on Tuesday

First of all, I wanted to start by announcing that the Dodgers are holding a meet and greet with Hyun-Jin Ryu and the Korean community tomorrow afternoon.   It will be from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the front plaza of the Wilshire Park Place/Radio Korea Building at 3700 Wilshire Boulevard.  (between Oxford and Serrano, east of Western Avenue) See more information here.

 ---------------------

 
As you probably know, the Dodgers held a press conference this afternoon to formally introduce Hyun-Jin Ryu to the masses.  It was part photo opportunity, part PR blitz complete with the very first real Ryu Baseball card (as opposed to my fake fantasy cards I make on photoshop).  Check out the pic below tweeted by the Dodgers PR department.  They apparently handed out the card to attendees.

(twitter link)

All I can say is that I want one. 

Just before they took the stage, Ned Colletti, Scott Boras, and another unknown person gathered around Ryu as he signed the contract.  Pic via @Dodgers on twitter.

(twitter link)

Then, they brought Ryu to the stage in front of a legion of reporters.  He put on the uniform and gave some informal remarks.

(twitter link)

Somewhere in the middle, Ned Colletti did a belly flop off the stage.  I like to imagine that it was a glorious crash with mangled bodies and the sound of a loud thud to accentuate the situation.  Instead, it was likely a little trip that apparently wasn't recorded for our viewing pleasure.

(twitter link)

Anyway, Hyun-Jin Ryu spoke to the masses and even answered a few questions.  Unfortunately, it was difficult to get an answer in English since the interpreter fumbled his way through the interview.  Nevertheless, we were able to gather some tidbits like:

• He grew up watching Chan Ho Park and is excited about following in his footstep as a Dodger
• His goals for next season is to win 10 games or more with a 2.00 ERA
• Ryu also wants to win more games than Chan Ho Park over his career
• He likes to use his fastball and change-up to get hitters out
• He's eager to learn the hitters and is confident that once he does he will succeed

One great bit of levity was when Magic Johnson blurted out a response to Ryu when he mentioned that he hopes to learn English soon so he can communicate with his teammates.

(twitter link)

BTW, you can see a bunch of pics from Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy.  Also, watch a bit of the press conference below.

Video Link:

Oh... One other thing.  The Dodgers tweeted the below pic of Ryu doing the "Gangnam Style" dance.  I'm both embarrassed and giddy about it.  After all, I refuse to believe that Gangnam Style is out of style.

(twitter link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *