The international showcase didn't go all that well for Seung Hwan Oh, who took a loss to Japan, allowing allowed three hits and two runs in one inning at the World Baseball Classic. But Matt Slater, now the Cardinals' director of player personnel, took note.
He'd go on to see Oh an estimated half-dozen more times in person. Slater would see him pitch in Korea, in Japan and in another World Baseball Classic tournament three years later. Over the last two years, he noticed more Major League scouts showing up to watch, as well.
It wasn't until late October or early November of last year, however, that the Cardinals found out there could be a payoff for all those years observing one of the most dynamic closers to pitch in the Korean Baseball Organization.