Sox Contreras reminding me of another Cuban defector who carried his team on his back

It wasn't that long ago when Livan Hernandez carried the Marlins to a WS Title going 4-0 in the 1997 post season...

At the time it was even more remarkable...since than we have seen many more stars emerge from Cuba and Japan, El Duque, Ichiro, Matsui and now Contreras has that same shot ...

Contreras (6-4, 245lbs) very similar to Livan, both very durable , both came from nothing to get to this point...

Wonder what George Steinbrenner will be thinking watching Contreras open the ALCS tonight (as the ace) wearing the pinstripes of Chicago ,that trade for Esteban Loaiza not looking quite as good now.

they always said he had good stuff....

I hear what you're saying about Contreras. I agree. But if you think he is carrying this team, why are you on the Angels tonight?

I am on the Angels very small , there is just too much value IMO...I'm expecting a low scoring game.

This post wasn't about who I liked, it was more about the comparison to Levon.

arty: arty: arty:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=18&ved=0CDsQqQIoADAHOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.themlbnation.com%2Fnews%2F2014%2F03%2F17%2Fjose-contreras-contemplating-retirement%2F&ei=EqYnU4X9I-6T0gHS5YGYBg&usg=AFQjCNG1dLTtKxmgTUDXRWBKSGK3gZBc1g&bvm=bv.62922401,d.dmQ

[h=1]Jose Contreras Contemplating Retirement[/h]By Devin Pangaro on March 17, 2014@devinpangaro


Just one week after his Cuban cohort Livan Hernandez officially announced his retirement from the game, veteran reliever Jose Contreras may be following suit after being informed that he will not make the opening day roster of the Texas Rangers.
According to a team press release, the 42-year old is currently weighing his options after being battered for seven runs on 13 hits in six innings pitched. The former Yankee has been extended an offer of reassignment to minor league camp, but is not thought to be interested in resuming his career at Triple-A.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in June of 2012, Contreras was heavily limited last season throwing just 29 combined innings in the minors for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox, posting a 2.79 ERA. Prolonging his career by converting to the bullpen full time in 2010, the right-hander briefly served as the Phillies fill-in closer that season, contributing to a division title.
Originally signed by the New York Yankees at age 31 upon defecting from his native Cuba, Contreras is best remembered for his inspiring pitching efforts as a member of the 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox. Starting the opening game of each of Chicago’s three postseason match ups, Contreras emerged as Ozzie Guillen‘s most reliable starting pitcher notching three wins and posting a 3.09 ERA with a 14/2 strikeout to walk ratio.