Korean muscleman Kim hits Japan but eyes majors

TOKYO, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Big-hitting South Korean Kim Tae-kyun was unveiled by Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines on Monday -- and immediately said he wanted to go to the United States.

"There are a lot of good pitchers in Japan," the 27-year-old first baseman told reporters. "I want to raise my game and put up good numbers so I can go to the major leagues."

Kim, who helped South Korea reach the final of the World Baseball Classic earlier this year where they lost to Japan, has signed a three-year deal with Lotte worth around $6 million.

"I don't just want to hit home runs," insisted Kim, who joined Lotte from South Korea's Hanwha Eagles and was the biggest name in Korea's free agent market.

"I want to help the team with base hits too. I need to be aware of both and give my team the best results possible. Then I want to go to the majors."

Despite being slowed by a concussion he suffered early last season he batted .330 with 19 home runs and 62 RBI. (Reporting by Alastair Himmer. Editing by John O'Brien; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)