Billy Koch To Marlins For Prospect

[CalvnHobs6]

Marlins acquire RHP Koch from White Sox

 

June 17, 2004

MIAMI (Ticker) - Billy Koch did not have to go far to find his latest team.

 

The Florida Marlins added depth to their bullpen Thursday night, acquiring the struggling reliever from the Chicago White Sox for minor league infielder Wilson Valdez.

 

The Marlins also received cash considerations in the deal, which was announced following Florida's 2-1, 11-inning win over Chicago.

 

Making $6.375 million this season, Koch recently lost his closer's job. The hard-throwing righthander is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 24 appearances, but he has converted just eight of 11 save chances.

 

Koch, 29, also lost his closer's job last season, his first with the White Sox. He has spent time with Toronto and Oakland and is 28-23 with a 3.91 ERA and 163 saves in 356 games.

 

Valdez, 26, had been playing for Class AAA Albuquerque. The native of the Dominican Republic never has played in the major leagues but was hitting .319 with two home runs and 25 RBI in 66 games this season.

[Zenny]

They worked wonders for Armando Benitez. Let's see what McKeon and Co. can do for Billy Koch's fragile melon.

[Old Hoss]

He should change his name to Billy RottonKroch cuz this guy stinks.

[YanksHater213]

this was pretty stupid for the marlins unless rottenkroch can get his act together

[elsrbueno]

Billy Koch was never quite as good as Armando Benitez when on, and he made Billy Beane look like a genius (he got Foulke for Koch I think).

 

Who knows, maybe the setup role will be good for him.