CHICAGO – They sit side-by-side in the clubhouse, joke with each other in Spanish and are a big part of their team’s success. Jose Contreras and Orlando Hernandez could easily be doing all these things in The Bronx, but instead the two Cuban pitchers now star on the South Side of Chicago for the White Sox.
The duo has been a large part of the Sox’ pitching rotation, combing for seven victories, and have put the Yankees in their rearview mirror. A small shaving kit with an interlocking “NY” on the top shelf of Contreras’ locker is the only sign of the pitchers’ past in pinstripes.
Contreras has been in Chicago for 10 months after being dealt at the deadline last year for Esteban Loaiza. The 33-year-old went 15-7 in his two seasons for the Yankees but never lived up to his four-year, $32-million contract. This year, Contreras is 2-2 but has been the victim of bullpen failures in several starts. Batters are hitting .200 against him, the best average among AL pitchers. The former Cuban national team star said he finally feels comfortable.
“I thought it was going to be easier than it has been,” Contreras said through a translator. “I thought I was just going to get here and I was going to play the baseball they play in Cuba, the baseball I’ve played in international competition, but it wasn’t that way at all. It was more competitive. That’s why it’s the best baseball. I think I’ve made adjustments. It’s taken longer than I thought it would.”
He also loves being around fellow Cuban “El Duque.” The White Sox signed the flashy right-hander in December after the Yankees let him walk away. Part of the reason the Yanks let him go was concern over his right shoulder, which sidelined him down the stretch last season. The shoulder put Hernandez on the DL again last month. He returned to the team Friday and said the shoulder is fine. Hernandez said he would have liked to return to The Bronx but is happy now in Chicago.
“I’m happy with where I’m at and I respect the decision [the Yankees] made but I thought that I was going to get more consideration and respect from them,” he said.
Both Contreras and Hernandez said they have enjoyed playing for manager Ozzie Guillen because he speaks Spanish. And both are thrilled to be part of the team with the best record in baseball.
“When we lose a game here, everyone hates losing, but everyone takes the loss and gets ready for the next game from the manager to the last guy on the bench,” Contreras said of a team which also includes ex-Met Timo Perez, ex-Yankee Chris Widger and ex-Met and Yankee Carl Everett. “There’s not as much stress as with the Yankees. Everyone plays more relaxed.”
