Orioles GM: Kim returning to Toronto as 'international enemy'

The Baltimore Orioles are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League wild-card game Tuesday - a heated affair between division rivals, which may not have been possible without outfielder Hyun Soo Kim's heroics.

Kim launched a pinch-hit, game-winning home run against Toronto last Wednesday, to help keep his club in wild-card position and pretty much save its season in the process.

"We’re not here without him," Adam Jones told Bob Nightengale of USA Today. "He not only hit the biggest home run of our season, but it was arguably the biggest hit of the season."

Kim would never been given the opportunity for the game-winning homer, had he been assigned to the minors during preseason. The 28-year-old rookie began spring training in an 0-for-23 slump, and was nearly sent down before using a stipulation in his contract to refuse.

Kim ended up becoming one of Baltimore's best bench bats, recording six home runs and 16 doubles in 305 at-bats. His most important hit of the season may have earned him a reputation in Toronto, though.

"He’s coming back," Orioles GM Dan Duquette said, "as an international enemy."

Overall, the Korean import swatted .302/.382/.420 during his rookie campaign.