Park, a 35-year-old right-hander, badly wants to be a starter again, even though he resurrected his career last season by pitching in relief with the Dodgers. And after finalizing a one-year, $2.5 million contract last week, he said he chose to sign with the Phillies because they offered him a chance to win the final spot in their rotation.

"Starting is better and more fun," said Park, who picked the Phillies over four teams. "Every five days, people in Korea plan on watching the game. That's a big part of the game at this point in my career. My goal is to be a starter. That's how I'm going to compete."

Park is expected to battle in spring training with young lefty J.A. Happ and right-handers Kyle Kendrick and Carlos Carrasco, the Phillies' top pitching prospect. Park said he may even reject an offer to pitch for his native Korea in the World Baseball Classic in order to maximize his Grapefruit League starts for the Phillies.

But the Phils need another reliever after Major League Baseball suspended veteran lefty J.C. Romero for testing positive for a banned substance, and Park notched a 3.40 ERA in 54 games (49 relief appearances) for the Dodgers last season.

Happ or Kendrick may be bullpen options, but they've been starters throughout their careers. The Phillies also could turn to Gary Majewski, Mike Koplove, Dave Borkowski or Blaine Neal, whom they have signed to minor league contracts this winter.

First-year GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said the Phillies are still exploring free agent solutions, and veteran lefties Joe Beimel, Brian Shouse, Will Ohman and Dennys Reyes remain available. But with expected raises for eight arbitration-eligible players set to push the Phillies' payroll to a franchise-record $125 million, Amaro may not have the money to sign another free agent.

With Romero unavailable until June 1, Scott Eyre is the only lefty in the Phillies' bullpen.