The Cuban Assassin

Jose Contreras is losing confidence of Yankees




By: Russ Rose
Special to Yankees Talk Shop
April 23, 2004

Jose Contreras is the kiss of death. For the third time this season Contreras, whom I will affectionately call the Cuban Assassin, failed miserably in his start. After starting Friday night’s game so well against the Boston Red Sox, Contreras and his pitching went south. After getting the Sox out 1-2-3 Jose decided to take the rest of the night off. He lasted just 3-1/2 innings, giving up five earned runs in the process.

In three starts this season Contreras has pitched a total of 11 innings and has given up 13 earned runs to raise his ERA to a lofty 10.64. That is just horrendous. I don’t know what Contreras’ problem is. Whether he just lacks confidence, is having arm trouble or worrying about his family stuck in Cuba I know one thing. The Yankees can’t afford to start this guy anymore.

Last year it was shoulder problems. He went on the DL after his first two starts in 2003. Fortunately for Jose Jeff Weaver, the guy who beat him out of the 5th starters slot in Spring Training was more woeful than he was. Contreras came back off the DL to pitch very effectively. He ended up going 9-7 with a 3.30 ERA. Those numbers were respectable enough to give the Yankees confidence to let him earn a slot in the rotation for this season.

Contreras gave up 5 earned runs to the BoSox in the 4th inning of Friday night’s game, including back-to-back home runs to Jason Varitek and Mark Bellhorn. The booing from the Yankees’ faithful was long and lusty. The boos suddenly turned to derisive cheers when Joe Torre popped out of the dugout and headed for the mound.

As soon as Jon Lieber is well enough to start expect to see Jose Contreras either moved to the bullpen or sent to Tampa for a confidence builder and a tune up. When Lieber is due back is anyone’s guess. Until then what are the Yankees going to do? They brought up Alex Graman to face the White Sox and that was a failed attempt. Until then, I fear the Yankees are faced with starting Contreras. It is a situation I’m sure Joe Torre and Mel Stottlemyre would like to avoid.

The Yankees’ brain trust had better get the phones working. I don’t know what they have to offer for a serviceable pitcher, but nobody could be any worse than Jose Contreras. Unless Contreras turns it around and turn it around quickly I fear his days in a Yankees’ uniform are short.

The Yankees have got to get it going before George Steinbrenner explodes. Like the mercury rising on a summer day George Steinbrenner’s frustration with his $183 million team is rising too. We all know Steinbrenner’s temper. Right now I think this team may deserve a big dose of it. There are only three players who came out of the gate swinging. Kevin Brown, Javier Vasquez and Jorge Posada are showing up and doing their jobs. The rest of them ought to be arrested for grand theft every time they endorse their checks. Jose Contreras at $8 million a year ought to be one of the first in line at the booking cage.

If somebody has an answer for the Yankees woeful play so far this year, please call Joe Torre or Brian Cashman and tell them what it is. Shooting the players isn’t an option. If we don’t break out of this funk soon the 2004 season just may get away from us. Yesterday’s promise will become tomorrow’s cruel reality.

PLAY BALL!


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