Indians’ Choo is healthy, happy

PHOENIX (AP) — Shin-Soo Choo is happy, healthy and hitting — to the delight of both of his teams.

Choo hit one ball after another over the outfield fences during batting practice for South Korea’s team in the World Baseball Classic on Thursday before heading to a Cleveland Indians exhibition game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

That delighted ball-hawking fans under the Arizona sun and put a smile on the face of Korean manager In Sik Kim. It also was good news for the Indians, who expect big things from Choo as their right fielder this season.

“I feel good,” Choo said. “No worries. No soreness. Just happiness.”

A week ago, reports from Japan that Choo had some tightness in his left triceps during the first round of the WBC caused concern in the Indians’ camp in nearby Goodyear. After South Korea advanced to the second round, the team came to Arizona to train and Choo went to Cleveland’s camp to get checked by team doctors.

“That was good news,” Indians manager Eric Wedge said Wednesday when Choo was prescribed good to go. “Choo is an important part of our team.”

A year ago, Choo opened the season on the disabled list after having Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in 2007. He returned to Cleveland on May 31 and hit .309 with 14 homers and 66 RBIs in 94 games.

“I’m excited about this season in Cleveland,” Choo said. “But right now, I want to try and win for my country.

“I missed playing last year in the Olympics, so this is very important to me. It’s fun, but very serious.”

South Korea opens second-round play Sunday at Petco Park in San Diego against the runner-up in Pool B.

In the Dodgers’ clubhouse before the game, former Indian Manny Ramirez chatted about his time in Cleveland.

“I had a lot of fun there, but don’t miss it,” said Ramirez, who hit 236 homers in an Indians uniform after coming up at age 21 in 1993. No. 236 came on his final swing in a Cleveland uniform on the last day of the 2000 season. He then signed as a free agent with Boston.

“I remember that home run,” Ramirez said. “But you move on in your life. I’m very happy in Los Angeles. The weather is great, I have great teammates and a great manager. Joe Torre lets you play.”

Asked if he has considered which hat he may wear when inducted into the Hall of Fame years from now — the Indians, Red Sox or Dodgers, Ramirez said: “Who knows? I want to play another seven years. A lot can happen until then, too.”

Seven more would make him age 43.

“I know, but I feel great and don’t see why not,” he said.