Shots Across the Bow: Long career

Sunday, 24 February 2013 17:24

Written by Bill Brink

BRADENTON, Fla. — Jose Contreras could conclude his long career as a Pirate.

In today’s Post-Gazette: The career arc of Contreras, from his days in the Cuban league to the All-Star starter to the late-30s reliever to the 41-year-old reclamation project.

“I feel good,” Contreras said in Spanish, with bullpen catcher Heberto Andrade translating. “I’ve got no pain.”

Contreras, recovering from Tommy John surgery he had last June, will not be ready until at least this June. The mileage on the elbow, including a surgery in September 2011, may lengthen that timetable.

Pirates bullpen coach and Cuban native Euclides Rojas knows Contreras well.

“The reports we have on the man indicate he could be a strong influence on the clubhouse while he’s here,” general manager Neal Huntington said.

I'll catch up with you today from Fort Myers, where the Pirates take on the Twins.