Rockies Acquire All-Star Reliever Kim
By JOE NGUYEN, staff writer
March 31, 2005

Denver, CO – On March 30, the Colorado Rockies acquired All-Star reliever Byung-Hyun Kim from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Charles Johnson, pitcher Chris Narveson and cash. Kim would presumably fill the closer role vacated by Shaun Chacon who is projected to return to the starting rotation this year after leading a bullpen that set a major league record with 39 loses.

Byung-Hyun Kim Born January 21, 1979 in Gwangju, South Korea Height 5'9" Weight 180 lb Bats Right Throws Right

Originally from South Korea, Kim was a decorated high school athlete before being named to the national team in 1997. In 1998, he was a member of the South Korean team that won the gold medal at the Asian Games over favorites Japan and Chinese Taipei. In 1999, Kim signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks and quickly made his way up to the major leagues and by the next season, he was a staple in the bullpen.

In 2001, Kim took over the closer role after Matt Mantei went down with an injury. He would finish the season with 19 saves and a 2.94 ERA, helping Arizona win the division and eventually going to the World Series against the Yankees. Unfortunately, he would cost the Diamondbacks two games by blowing two saves in the series. Despite his calamities, Arizona would still end up winning the series.

2002 would be Kim’s best season as he earned a spot on the National League All-Star team and finished with 36 saves and a 2.04 ERA. The following season, Kim was moved to the starting rotation. After seven starts, he was traded to Boston where after a handful of starts, he was moved back into the bullpen.

This past season, Kim struggled with injuries and didn’t play much – only appearing in seven games. The Rockies hope that with a change of scenery, Kim will be able to regain his form from 2002 and help them to a winning record for the first time in many, many years.