Reinsdorf admits gamble on Contreras not paying off
Jose Contreras was passing around cigars in the White Sox' clubhouse in between games of Friday's doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox.
It was an ironic scene, considering the 35-year-old pitcher (6-16, 6.18 ERA) has the most losses in major-league baseball. In addition, Contreras hasn't won a start since June 18, when he allowed 5 runs on 8 hits over 6¿ innings in the Sox' 10-6 interleague victory over the Florida Marlins.
During a radio interview on WSCR with Mike North on Friday morning, White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf was asked about the three-year, $27 million contract extension Contreras signed at the start of last season.
The deal pays Contreras $9 million this year and $10 million in 2008-09.
"Well, he certainly isn't living up to his money,'' Reinsdorf said. "I've said how many times over the years, when you go more than one year with a pitcher, you are sticking your neck out. If you go more than three years, it's probably suicide.''
In 2005, Contreras carried the White Sox into the playoffs by going 6-0 in September. He was 3-1 with a 3.09 ERA in the postseason, which the Sox capped with a World Series sweep over the Houston Astros.
"He got the three-year deal because he was pitching outstanding, and we tried to build this team around our pitching,'' Reinsdorf said. "We decided to take a chance. It didn't work. Every time I've taken a chance on our pitching, it hasn't worked.''
North proceeded to ask Reinsdorf why Mark Buehrle got a four-year, $56 million extension on July 8.
"Again, we want to build this team around pitching,'' Reinsdorf said. "Mark Buehrle, if you wanted to gamble on a pitcher, he's the right kind of pitcher. His mechanics are beautiful. There's nothing herky-jerky. He doesn't throw across his body. He's not a flamethrower, so it won't matter if he loses a little velocity. And he's our guy.
"If we always stuck to our guns on the three-year thing, we would not be able to keep our pitchers. Sometimes you have to take a chance, even though you know you are gambling.''
No relief: Mike Myers was hit hard again Friday, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks in 1 inning of relief against the Red Sox in Game 1 of a doubleheader.
Myers has a $1.1 million club option for next season, but he's allowed 6 runs on 7 hits over 2 innings in his first 3 outings for the White Sox.
Myers signed with the Sox on Monday after being designated for assignment by the Yankees on Aug. 6.
"He's struggling right now,'' said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. "He was back home for a little while. We've got to continue putting him out there and see what we can get out of him.''
Back on the shelf: Jim Thome missed both games of Friday's doubleheader with back spasms.
The White Sox' 36-year-old designated hitter has been bothered by the condition at times in each of the past two seasons.
"Hopefully, he'll be ready tomorrow,'' Ozzie Guillen said. "I have a little doubt (he'll) be ready tomorrow.''