Red Sox: Worst pitchers in franchise history
By Rick McNair
An international mistake
Byung-Hyun Kim was signed to a two-year deal by the Red Sox that Theo Epstein later, so eloquently put as, “a mistake.” Theo was quite insightful in his assessment of the South Korean right-hander. Kim was most noted for having the New York Yankees use him as a batting tee in the 2001 World Series and giving the Fenway fans “The Finger” after a chorus of boos celebrated his being pulled from a game.
The first time I saw Kim pitch I thought I was watching women’s softball until I realized the gals threw harder. I am still of the notion Kim was a North Korean agent planted with the design of destroying our faith in the national pastime.
Submarine style pitchers are supposed to keep the ball down and that is translated into keeping the HR/9 at a reduced level. Brad Ziegler was 0.3 in 2016, but Kim finished his career at 1.0. In Boston it was surprisingly low – 0.7. Did I see every one of them?
Reflecting back on the Kim record in Boston it does not appear that sour. In 2003 Kim rotated between the rotation and the bullpen getting 16 saves, but going 3-6 as a starter. An ankle injury may have decreased his efficiency, but that did little to calm the fan base. Kim was gone after only two seasons.