Your new Chan Ho Park
The past two seasons, the Phillies bullpen has received a critical boost from a former starting pitcher who re-invented himself in the bullpen. In 2008, it was Chad Durbin. Last year, it was Chan Ho Park.
Your new Chan Ho Park
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
The past two seasons, the Phillies bullpen has received a critical boost from a former starting pitcher who re-invented himself in the bullpen. In 2008, it was Chad Durbin. Last year, it was Chan Ho Park.
This year, Jose Contreras will attempt to fill the void. The Phillies have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the hard-throwing Cuban righthander, according to a league source, and are hoping he can fill the void created when they gave up on re-signing Park.
Terms are unknown at this point, and the deal is not expected to be announced until Contreras passes a physical.
General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. acknowledged yesterday that the Phillies had been in frequent contact with Contreras' agent, but downplayed the significance of the interactions. Conteras will most likely fill in as a reliever, a role he has not filled regularly since his rookie season with the Yankees.
The righthander could theoretically contend for the fifth spot in the team's rotation, but both veteran lefthander Jamie Moyer and young righthander Kyle Kendrick would have to falter for that to be considered a realistic option.
Contreras proved to be a pivotal boost to the Rockies' bullpen last season during their fight for a playoff spot. In 17 innings, he allowed three runs and struck out 17, starting two games, then five relief appearances at the end of September. He faced the Phillies twice in the NLDS, allowing one run and striking out three while walking two in two innings of work.
Before last season, Contreras had made just two relief appearances since his rookie season with the Yankees in 2003. His best year as a starter came in 2005, when he went 15-7 with a 3.61 ERA for the White Sox during their championship campaign. He struggled as a starter since then, but the Phillies are hopeful he can make a transition to the bullpen similar to the one made by Park last season.
Interesting enough, the Phillies' two bullpen additions this offseason are both former Cuban defectors, righthander Danys Baez being the other one.
Contreras defected in 2002 while pitching for the Cuban national team during the American Series in Mexico. He originally signed a four-year contract with the Yankees before being traded to the White Sox in 2004.
At 6-foot-4, 224 pounds, the 38-year-old complements a low-to-mid 90's fastball with a change-up and slider.
The Phillies now have six relievers under contract, with prospect Antonio Bastardo the frontrunner to fill the remaining void. With veteran lefty J.C. Romero expected to miss up to a month, and with closer Brad Lidge questionable for Opening Day, young lefty Sergio Escalona and righthander Scott Mathieson will also have a chance to contend for a roster spot in spring training.
Other options include lefthander Mike Zagurski. Righthander B.J. Rosenberg, who showed promise at Class A last season, will also be in spring training.
This is enough for me...."Contreras proved to be a pivotal boost to the Rockies' bullpen last season during their fight for a playoff spot. In 17 innings, he allowed three runs and struck out 17, starting two games, then five relief appearances at the end of September." Exactly what we need, I do not see how this is a bad signing.— PhilliesPhan86- Sheets wants to start, wants $8-10 mil/per and doesn't want to play in Philly (wnats to be home in Texas). We don't want him because he'll make Freddy Garcia seem like a stud. Sheets has been on the DL more than Bedard in his career. Contreras may be 38 officially, but to me he's always looked atleast 5 years older. If he's really 43 as I suspect, that makes for quite a staff with he and Moyer on it. I wouldn't count on much durability.— Mark1npt
- PERFECT SIGNING— soliteryman
- Is Pedro out of the picture all together?— AZIGGSFAN
- I'm glad there's somebody else out there that appreciates what Moyer brings to the team. He got lit up a couple times but kept us in most games he started. I think he even led the team in wins last year. What I remember most, though, is his performance when he got sent to the bullpen. Pedro couldn't finish 2 consecutive rain delayed games. Moyer came in and was masterful in both games. Sends chills down my spine just thinkin' about it. I'm rootin' for ya, Jamie!— vafan
- Looks like RAJ is getting quite an AARP discount with his signings once again!— teeleeinHbg
- Why not CHP or Beimel?— RichNC
- Hey Dull.....You a funny guy!!!!— john little
- Kenny_Junod....Rich Quiqley sez No More Boooing The Phils!!!— john little
Flindo47 -- I cannot believe I'm saying this about a 45 year old pitcher, but Dude! wake the eff up. He was 16-7. ANYONE who would call a 16 game winner in the BIGS (no matter how old) a batting practice pitcher is the one who should be in a nursing home. your SENILE— soccerdad1150- Watched him a lot last year with the Rockies, he is a good pickup. Expectaions are not high, but he should exceed them. Good Luck to Chan Ho Park, did like him.— cote32
Comment removed.- What happened to Mike Koplove? He was tearing it up in spring training and in AAA last year and they didn't give him any love.— Yatzee!
- Im just really LOVIN' this TEAM!!!!!!!!!! Cant wait— eastender
- Comment removed.
