Kim for Hillenbrand

[Rapps5]

What is everyone's take on the deal the Sox made late last week? I think that Hilly was a big part of the ballclub, but hes bound to slow down soon, and Kim is a good starter, who should baffle AL hitters that haven't seen him, and hes good insurance as a closer (he was great in that role last year). Then theres always the Kim vs. Yankees thing...how he blew those two huge games against them in the series a few years back...
by the way, does anyone know Kim's contract status?

[HYLRedSox]

I think its a great trade for us. Yes Hillenbrand has been an important part of the team so far this year, and last year, but with the way Mueller is hitting, I think he will he won't be missed quite as much as everybody things. I guess the only concern I can say I have about the trade is 1B. Hilly had been playing there alot. That leaves Ortiz, Millar, or Giambi to play first.
As for getting Kim, I think he was the perfect pitcher to get for our staff. He's exactly what we need. With Lowe struggling (who actually had a good start last night, and wasn't in Fenway!) and Pedro hurting, he will plug right into the rotation nicely. And when the pieces come back together, if need be, he can close. And like you said, he will baffle AL guys who've never seen him before. (Ironic the first week he come to the AL its interleague..) He had a great start yesterday, and am looking forward to seeing him more in the Sox uniform.
As for WS games, you have to cut the guy some slack. He was young (23), they were in Yankee Stadium (what a place to play for the first time, never mind the fact that it was the World Series) and its not like the DBacks lost.
And I too would like to know the contract situation with Kim.

[JuicePats]

"by the way, does anyone know Kim's contract status?"

He's cannot become a free agent until after 2005

[Rapps5]

why is that? what does his contract say?

[JuicePats]

"why is that? what does his contract say?"

No one can file for free agency until after 6 years of MLB service time

[Rapps5]

ohhhh....cool, thanks juicepats

[Lofunzo]

I think that it's 1 of those deals that helps everyone. Kim helped at closer and is now a good back end starter and Hillenbrand helps out the D-Backs a lot.