Jose Contreras
A legend in Cuba, pitcher Jose Contreras defected to the United States during an international competition in Mexico in 2002. The defection embarrassed Fidel Castro, but it proved a wise decision for the veteran hurler. In 2003, Contreras signed with the New York Yankees, after several teams courted the right-hander. Utilizing a deceptive delivery and a variety of arm angles often employed by Cuban hurlers, Contreras made an impact in the big leagues immediately, going 7-2 with a 3.30 ERA in his rookie campaign. After struggling in 2004, he was dealt to the White Sox, where he flourished. He won 15 games in 2005, including his last eight decisions. He eventually ran his winning streak to 17 games in 2006, after having helped the White Sox to the 2005 World Series title.
Quotes About Contreras
"...if he throws strikes, and with the way he changes his arm angles and the way the ball moves, he's tough." — A.J. Pierzynski
Played For
New York Yankees (2003-2004)
Chicago White Sox (2004-2005)
Minor League Experience
From his player notes in the media guide, here's a description of his Cuban career... Was a seven-year veteran of Cuba's national team and compiled a 117-50 career record with a 2.82 ERA in Cuban-League play...in his last three major intenational tournaments against professional players (1999 Pan American Games, 2000 Olympics and 2001 World Cup), Contreras went 7-0 with a 0.59 ERA and allowed only 36 hits in 66.0 IP while striking out 66...in the '99 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg Canada, he won both games in which he pitched...against the Dominican Republic he allowed one run in six innings...two days later he faced the US in the championship game, struck out 13 battersbeight consecutivebin eight innings to lead Cuba to the gold medal...he was named the best righthanded pitcher in the Pan Am Games and the team's most valuable athlete...in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney he started and won Game 1 vs. Australia, striking out 13 while allowing three hits...he also started the Championship Game vs. Japan, firing a five-hitter while recording 14K...Cuba earned the silver medal as Contreras was selected as the tournament's best right handed pitcher...participated in the 2002 Baseball World Cup in China earning two victories in two games versus Canada and Japan, running his scoreless streak in international championship competition to 40 innings...Cuba won the gold medal as Contreras was awarded the best pitcher of the tournament and was named athlete of the year...played in the 2002 Americas Cup in Mexica...in his win vs. Nicaragua had his record of scoreless innings snapped at 44IP...in 1993 played in the Tournament for the Peace in El Salvador with the Cuban National Team (players less than 23 years old)...he won the championship game vs. the US and earned the gold medal...in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta again earned the victory in the Champioship Game vs. Australia...participated in the Baseball World Championship in Italy in 1998, earning wins against Japan and Korea while again earning the gold medal...won gold again in the Central America and Caribbean Games celebrated in Caracas, Venezuela in 1998, posting victories vs. Panama and Nicaragua...pitched in two games versus the Baltimore Orioles in 1999...pitched in relief on 3/28 vs. Baltimore in Cuba's 3-2 11-inning win...did not receive a decision despite pitching eight shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out 10...started and went 1.2 IP on 5/3 at Camden Yards, allowing 3H and 3ER in an eventual 12-6 loss.
Best Season: 2005
Contreras was inconsistent early in the season before settling down. He won his last eight decisions and went into the post-season red-hot. He won one game in each of the Sox' three post-season series, posting a 3.09 ERA with just two walks allowed in 32 innings.
Born
Jose Contreras was born on December 12, 1971, in Havana
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: NYA
College: None
Major League Debut
March 31, 2003
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 2003
Jeremy Bonderman
Hideki Matsui
Mark Teixera
Miguel Cabrera
Jason Bay
Rocco Baldelli
Jose Contrares
Dontrelle Willis
Justin Morneau
Post-Season Notes
Contreras won Game Five of the 2005 ALCS to clinch the pennant. It was the White Sox fourth straight complete game, the first time a team had done that in the post-season since 1928 (Yankees).
Feats
Contreras was 17-0 with a 2.92 ERA during his 17-game winning streak in 2005-2006.
Notes
Contreras was named Cuba's Male Athlete of the Year three times. He was so popular in his native country that he was treated like a rock star. He frequently pitched the Cuban national team past international competition.
Best Strength as a Player
Not a strikeout pitcher, Contreras is adept at inducing groundballs, and he rarely issues walks.
Largest Weakness as a Player
No glaring weaknesses.
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