El Duque, Contreras have something to prove...

[bjm676]

Interesting to see how they fare against their former mates.

 

Duo has something to prove

CHICAGO -- For Jose Contreras and Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, next week's starts in New York will serve as just two more games off the schedule, starts Nos. 23 and 16, respectively.

 

At least, that's the way these games were portrayed by the two former Yankees hurlers when asked Saturday. But pitching coach Don Cooper knows differently.

 

Cooper is not only originally from New York, but also pitched seven games in relief for the Yankees during the 1985 season. He understands the mystique and allure that comes from taking part in a game at Yankee Stadium, especially for pitchers such as Contreras Hernandez, who the Yankees basically indicated they no longer needed last year.

 

"It's certainly gotta be big for Duque and Contreras," Cooper said. "They are going to be emotional or geeked up. They need to bring that 'geek' or energy to the glove and attack.

 

"I'm looking forward to those games. I've been thinking about this for a while. We all are, but those two guys especially."

 

As manager Ozzie Guillen pointed out during his pregame talk Saturday, Hernandez truly made his mark while wearing Yankees pinstripes. The right-hander posted a 61-40 record during parts of six seasons, but more importantly, finished with a 3-1 record in the Division Series, 4-1 record in the ALCS and a 2-1 record in the World Series.

 

Contreras produced a 15-7 record during the 2003 and 2004 campaigns for the Yankees, before being traded to the White Sox for Esteban Loaiza at the non-waiver deadline in 2004. Both have excelled at Yankee Stadium, with Hernandez sporting a 30-19 record and 3.77 earned run average, and Contreras checking in at 6-3, with a 3.78 ERA.

 

They also still maintain friendships with former teammates out East.

 

"But as soon as I step through those lines, no more friends," said Contreras, through translator Oney Guillen. "This is my team now. I feel at home. Whether it's the Red Sox or the Yankees, I'm going out to battle."

 

Hernandez faces Mike Mussina during Monday's series opener, the first game this season between the Yankees and the White Sox. Contreras pitches Tuesday, opposed by Shawn Chacon. Guillen wants strong efforts from both to enhance his team's chance to win the series but also to give his hurlers a small sense of vindication against their former employer.

 

Cooper realizes that simply coming to New York provides an extra push for every visiting player, even if he never suited up for the Yankees.

 

"It's the biggest stage, and the guys really look forward to the challenge," Cooper said. "They really are focused and because of that, they elevate their game."