Marlins Trade You-Know-Julio to Rockies

In return the Fish get Byung-Hyun Kim. Here's what's being written about him...

"Kim, who will become a free agent at the end of the year, will make $2.5 million this year.

"Kim, who hasn't pitched since April 15, has been on the disabled list with a contusion on his hand" (MiamiHerald)

"(W)ith Class AAA Colorado Springs, Kim went 1-1 with a 2.96 ERA while pitching 24 1/3 innings during five rehab starts.

"The contusion 'has completely resolved itself and he is healthy,' (Michael) Hill said...

"Kim, a side-arm and under-arm hard thrower who uses a great variety of deliveries, suffered two humiliating setbacks while pitching for the Diamondbacks in the 2001 World Series against the Yankees.

"In Game 4 he gave up a two-out, two-run home run to Tino Martinez in the bottom of the ninth that allowed the Yankees to tie the game. He served up another home run hit by Derek Jeter in the bottom of the tenth that let the Yankees tie the Series.

"In Game 5, Kim gave up a two-run home run to Scott Brosius that allowed the Yankees to tie the game with two outs in the ninth. The Yankees won that game in 12 innings, but the Diamondbacks went on to win the series in seven games."(PalmBeachPost)

"'B.K. Kim has always been a versatile pitcher,' Hill said. 'We've always liked him. We think he will help our staff.

"'He started and relieved. After we discuss things with Fredi and Kranny [pitching coach Rick Kranitz], we'll see how he fits. He can do both.'

"When the Marlins obtained Julio, they picked up $2.5 million of the right-hander's $3.6 million deal, with Arizona taking on $1.1 million. Kim is making $2.5 million, so his money pretty much matches what Julio is making...

"Ricky Nolasco, who threw four innings in Saturday's twice rain-delayed game, didn't look right in his outing. His velocity was down.

"While Nolasco says he is working on his mechanics, the team is cautious about the 24-year-old being ready for his next scheduled start, which would be Thursday at Pittsburgh.

"Kim... would be available to start for the Marlins on Thursday if Nolasco isn't ready.

"Nolasco spent time earlier this season on the disabled list with a sore elbow.

"Kim is expected to join the Marlins on Tuesday in Pittsburgh." (MLB)

By the way, what about Yusmeiro, who the Marlins traded away to get Julio? How is he faring? According to this article he's 2-3 with an ERA of 7.20 for Tucson of the PCL, and he'll be starting Monday night.

MORE: "Kim's career numbers suggest the Marlins might be better off letting him pitch in relief. In 66 career starts, Kim is 17-29 with a 4.89 ERA (3692/3 innings). In 359 innings out of the bullpen, Kim is 28-25 with a 3.48 ERA, 86 saves in 110 chances and a .201 opponents' average. Opponents hit 76 points higher off him as a starter." (SunSentinel)