Dec. 15 -- PHILLIES SIGN PARK

BY SCOTT LAUBER

In about two hours, Chase Utley will meet reporters at the Bank to discuss his rehabilitation from right hip surgery. We'll be there to bring you the details. But there's more news from the Phillies, namely the signing of free-agent right-hander Chan Ho Park, pending a physical. Park and new left fielder Raul Ibanez are expected to be introduced this week, possibly in a joint press conference.

The news was reported early this morning by the Korea Times after Park held a news conference in Seoul. According to the report, Park will make $2.5 million in 2009 and could make as much as $5 million in performance bonuses. Park told reporters that he picked the Phillies over the Giants, Diamondbacks, Royals and Blue Jays.

"I selected Philadelphia because they are the World Series champions and have high expectations for a playoff berth next season," he said. "I was a little worried about Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Phillies, which is hitter-friendly. But as they considered me as a starter, I signed with Philadelphia."

Park, 35, said he prefers to start, and while I'm sure he'll get consideration for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, I think his greatest value to the Phillies will come as a reliever who can pitch multiple innings. Surely, that's a question for Ruben Amaro Jr. later today. Park revived his career last season, going 4-4 with a 3.40 ERA in 55 appearances for the Dodgers.