Perrotto: Jovial Ji Man Choi in Wrong Place at Wrong Time (+)

PITTSBURGH — Ji Man Choi has developed the reputation of being a good teammate and cheerful clubhouse presence during his eight seasons in the major league.

The first baseman has certainly lived up to that billing in his first season with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Choi always has a smile on his face. Even in a season during which the native of South Korea has had little to smile about so far.

There was Choi sitting in front of his locker in the clubhouse prior to Thursday night’s 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. Even though the Pirates had announced a day earlier that he would likely miss two months with a left Achilles strain, Choi was upbeat as he chatted with a reporter.