South Korean Kim, Orioles finalize $7 million, 2-year deal

BALTIMORE (AP) South Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim and the Baltimore Orioes have finalized a $7 million, two-year contract.

An agreement between the Orioles and the 28-year-old was reached last week, pending a physical. The deal was completed Wednesday.

Kim hit 28 homers last season and has a .406 career on-base percentage during 10 seasons in South Korea.

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette says ''he'll be able to translate that home run production from Korea to the States. He's got a short swing and he uses the whole ballpark.''

Duquette expects the 28-year-old to play left field, a position the Orioles had difficulty filling last season.

Kim says ''I will try my best to perform as well as I did in Korea.''