The Ex-Files - Part I

It's time to take a look at how the ex-Bombers are doing around major league baseball.

Thriving

In his time as a Yankee Jose Contreras proved that he couldn't handle pressure situations. Turns out he couldn't handle being a New York Yankee. A change of scenery,some TLC from pitching coach Don Cooper, and renewed confidence have turned Contreras into a pitching stud. The only thing that has been stopping Contreras is sciatica. He had to placed on the 15-day DL and is expected to miss 2 starts. Contreras was looking mediocre last August when things turned around for him. Since then he has gone 13-0 in 14 decisions with a 1.80 ERA. This year he's been lights out, going 5-0, 1.41.

Like Contreras, it appeared that Javier Vazquez couldn't handle the craziness of the big city either. Then it turned out he was hiding a shoulder injury that caused him to alter his delivery and give up one home run after another. Vazquez has started this season 4-1 with a 2.88 ERA. I have to take this with a grain of salt considering how Vazquez started his brief tenure with the Yankees and Diamondbacks, and the fact that he's had 3 starts against Kansas City. Vazquez made the all-star team in 2004 after going 10-5, 3.56. Post-break he had a 6.92 ERA. Last season with Arizona Vazquez was outstanding in May, July, and September, and awful in April, June, and August. He also allowed 35 home runs after allowing 33 the prior year. This year he's allowed just 1. Will the real Javier Vazquez please stand up.

Nick Johnson is finally healthy. The Washington Nationals are hoping he can finally stay that way. Through his first 30 games, many of them as the clean up hitter, Johnson is hitting .300 with 8 home runs and 20 RBI. His 21 walks have helped him achieve a .968 OPS. He's also stolen 4 bases.

Strong and Steady

Alfonso Soriano balked at playing the outfield in his contract year. Then he changed his mind, grabbed an outfield glove and before long was leading the National League in assists. It was feared that the Nationals spacious ballpark would hurt Soriano's production, and although his average his 50 points lower at home, his home run and RBI production have been good. Soriano also seems to be adjusting to the National League just fine. He's belted 10 home runs to go along with a .283 average and 20 RBI. He's also stolen 6 bases in 9 attempts. He's slugging .536 and has actually walked 9 times already. Now he just needs to stop thinking about returning to 2nd base next season.

Why Did We Get This Guy?

Jeff Weaver earned his pay as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 27-24, 4.12. A trip 26 miles southeast to Anaheim and a return to the American League has not proven so fruitful. Weaver is 1-5 with a 6.53 ERA, conjuring up not so fond memories for Yankee fans. He's only had 1 quality start in 7 tries and has allowed 8 home runs. The league is hitting .295 against him. Some guys just can't suffer enough.

Unlike Weaver, it is difficult to see El Duque struggling. His first year in the National League (he never pitched when he was dealt to the Expos) has not been kind to Orlando Hernandez. After limiting the Rockies to 1 run and striking out 8 in his 5 innings NL debut, Duque has won just once and has not made it past the 6th inning. Overall he is 2-4, 7.88. The league is hitting .304 against him and he's hurt his own cause by issuing 16 walks in 36.2 innings. Hopefully the ageless wonder will be able to adjust.