Sox' secret weapons in Colon, Contreras?
GLENDALE, Ariz. - When he was piling up wins for the Indians, Expos, White Sox and Angels from 1998-2005, Bartolo Colon would often dial his fastball up to 100 mph in the eighth and ninth innings.
His killer instinct was legendary, and so was Colon's competitive nature.
On a sleepy Monday morning at the Sox' spring-training complex, Colon conjured up some memories of his brilliant past.
"It's incredible the way Bartolo threw today," Jose Contreras said.
White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper was saying much the same about Colon - and Contreras for that matter.
Both of the veteran right-handed starters were question marks when spring training opened last month, but Colon and Contreras were impressive after throwing live batting practice for the first time Monday.
"Another step forward as far as I'm concerned," Cooper said after Colon and Contreras threw 40 pitches apiece to a group of minor-league hitters. "They're facing humans with bats in their hands. It's been awhile for both of them since they've done that. Everything continues to go.
"It's another positive step in the direction we're hoping to go, which is getting them ready for the fourth and fifth (rotation spots). It looks like we're going to have a chance to do that."
Heading into camp, the White Sox were set at the top of the rotation with Mark Buehrle, Gavin Floyd and John Danks.
After that, they had their fingers crossed with Colon at No. 4. And with Contreras seemingly unavailable until after the all-star break after rupturing his left Achilles' tendon last August, a group of young pitchers including Jeff Marquez and Clayton Richard were positioned to compete for the No. 5 spot.
If Colon and Contreras continue to make progress, the Sox are going to run out a potentially powerful - and proven - starting five.
"Let me tell you something - no matter who we leave with to start, we're going to feel good about any of them," Cooper said. "Nobody's getting on that plane unless we feel they can help us win.
"Whether that's Bartolo and Contreras at 4 and 5, which is looking like it's going to happen, or Marquez, Richard or any other name you want to choose from, we're going to feel good about them. We're going to go to battle and try to win the division, no matter what.
"I think the possible addition of Colon and Contreras is not only experience and a track record, maybe some of those other guys are going to slide to the bullpen. That's something to think about. What that means is we're stronger and have more depth."
If Colon (who had bone chips removed in October) and Contreras stay healthy, there is little doubt the Sox will be a stronger team in 2009.
The duo are a combined 215-197, while Richard was 2-5 with a 6.04 ERA last season. Marquez and another starting candidate, Aaron Poreda, have no major-league experience.
"I think that's real good, to add some veterans to the staff," Danks said. "Obviously, it makes us deeper. We have the young guys that are capable of getting outs, and then to throw in some veterans like that, it does nothing but help."
If Colon - in particular - builds off his brief outing Monday, opposing hitters are going to be needing the help. Throwing fastballs, changeups and a few curves, the 35-year-old offered a big thumbs up after coming off the mound.
"Bartolo has tremendous pitch ability," Cooper said. "He's got really good movement and he can change speeds.
"Everything went good today for him. The feeling I'm getting, and he's saying it a little bit: 'I've got more. I've got more.' But we don't need more right now. More ain't better and where he's at is fine. We're going to continue to progress from here."
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