Lima pitched for 13 years for the Tigers (twice), Astros, Royals (twice), Dodgers and Mets. He was 89-102 with a 5.26 ERA, the most career wins for a pitcher with a career ERA over 5.00 in the history of MLB. His ERA reflected two very tough seasons in 2000 and 2005 where he logged innings regardless of how many runs he had given up. In 2000 with the Astros, he gave up 145 ER, 48 HR, lost 16 games and finished with an ERA above 6.00. In 2005, he gave up 131 ER, lost 16 games and finished with an ERA above 6.00. 25 pitchers in MLB history have lost 16+ games in a season and finished with an ERA over 6.00. Lima is the only one to do it twice. He was a true veteran, and took the ball regardless of what kind of stuff he had. He pitched 6 innings, even if he gave up 12 hits, just so the bullpen would not be taxed.
It all wasn't a bad ride for Lima, who went 21-10 with a 3.58 ERA in 1999 with Houston. He was 8-3, 4.91 with Kansas City in 2003 and 13-5, 4.07 with the Dodgers in 2004. He pitched a complete game shutout for the Dodgers in the 2004 NLDS. In order to last 13 seasons in the big leagues, you have to have some ups as well as downs.
Lima made a brief appearance for the New York Mets in the 2006 season. He made 4 starts, all losses, but his candor was noticed in his brief time there. I remember being at the Mets/ Yankees game in 2006 when David Wright hit the walk off single off Mariano Rivera giving the Mets the win. While the team was mobbing Wright near first base, it was Lima who gave him the final shove. Ironically, the starting pitcher of that game for the Mets was none other than Geremi Gonzalez, who has also since passed away.