Before right-handed reliever Byung-Hyun Kim became synonymous with allowing epic home runs, the former Diamondback was one of the game's most puzzling closers. Monday, the Giants announced they have signed the former All-Star to a minor-league deal.
In 2002 the submarine-throwing Korean was an All-Star, saving 36 games with a 2.04 ERA with the Diamondbacks. It was a fine rebound after Kim gave up game-tying home runs in Games 4 and 5 of 2001 World Series against the New York Yankees and the winning drive in Game 4 to Derek Jeter. In 2006, while pitching with Colorado, Kim surrendered Barry Bonds' 715th home run, making the Giants' slugger the No. 2 home-run hitter of all time, surpassing Babe Ruth.
But Kim, now 31, never regained the consistency nor the dominance he flashed with Arizona nearly a decade ago, and hasn't pitched in the Majors since 2007.
Kim owns a 54-60 record, a 4.42 ERA and 86 saves in nine Major League seasons with Arizona, Boston, Colorado and Florida. Kim retired from baseball after Pittsburgh released him in 2008 during Spring Training.
Mariners agree to one-year $550,00 deal with Ryan Garko
SEATTLE — The Giants traded for Ryan Garko mid way through last season in an attempt to bolster an anemic lineup. In order to accomplish this, the team traded one of its top minor league arms in pitcher Scott Barnes. But Garko never fully clicked in San Francisco and only played in 40 games making just 147 plate appearances.
Monday Garko and the Mariners agreed to a $550,000, one-year deal as Seattle hope to address its need for a right-handed hitter.
According to The Associated Press, the 29-year-old first baseman and designated hitter could nearly double his salary, to $1,075,000, if he makes 600 plate appearances for the Mariners.
"We think he is a player that adds versatility as a right-handed hitter with experience playing first base, designated hitter and catcher," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik told the AP.
Giants ink former Brave Horacio Ramirez to minor league deal
In another move to bolster the farm system and perhaps add depth to a potentially shaky No. 5 spot in the rotation, the Giants signed former Brave left-hander Horacio Ramirez to a minor league deal.
Ramirez, 30, is 39-35 in seven big league seasons with Atlanta, Seattle, Kansas City and the Chicago White Sox. He was at his best as a rookie with Atlanta in 2003, when he finished 12-4 with a 4.00 ERA in 29 starts.
In 2009, with Kansas City, Ramirez appeared in only 19 games including one start. With the Royals Triple-A affiliate in '09, the lefty was 3-7 with a 5.40 ERA 85 innings pitched.
Comments