Concerns addressed and expectations clear, the Rockies reaffirmed their commitment to starter Byung-Hyun Kim today, exercising his $2.5 million club option.
Kim, who has grown comfortable in Denver and enjoys pitching at Coors Field, is motivated to build on last season when he went 8-12 with a 5.57 ERA.
“He’s happy to be coming back and knows he can improve,” agent Victor Lee said. “Last season was his first healthy season a starter. He learned a lot from that experience.”
Kim proved durable, gobbling up 155 innings after missing the first month with a hamstring injury. His velocity also stabilized at 88 to 90 mph, up from 83 mph when the Rockies acquired him from the Red Sox before the 2005 season. But the Rockies want him to adjust his style, relying less on power and more on location and pitch selection.
Even with Kim’s unusual sidearm delivery, hitters were able to grow comfortable against him during the third and fourth time through the lineup, sitting on sliders and fastballs.
“He’s ready and looking forward to the challenge,” said Lee.
Kim can earn an additional $1 million if he reaches 210 innings pitched.
Kim’s return doesn’t necessarily preclude Josh Fogg from coming back, though that was the picture painted at season’s end. Fogg finished strong, but is eligible for a big raise through salary arbitration. He will have two bone chips removed from his right elbow Monday, and faces a three-week rehabilitation.
Fogg said today his decision to have surgery was a no-brainer and he would be ready for spring training regardless of where he’s playing.
“I had a cortisone shot after the all-star break and that brought down the inflammation. I was fine after that. It was better people didn’t know because I don’t want it to sound like I am making any excuses,” Fogg said. “I’d definitely like to come back to Denver, but that’s up to them. I am going to be pitching somewhere that’s for sure.”
Footnote
The National League Rawlings Gold Glove winners will be announced today. Second baseman Jamey Carroll has a shot to win his first. He committed just three errors in 109 games at second last season, two when he was shifted into the outfield with Barry Bonds hitting. Arizona’s Orlando Hudson, a previous Gold Glover, could edge him out. Todd Helton is also a candidate to win his fourth Gold Glove.
