Jose Contreras Close To Joining Pirates Shark Tank

The Pittsburgh Pirates seem poised to promote Jose Contreras to the bullpen, or as it is now known, The Shark Tank.   Until yesterday against the Brewers, the Shark Tank has been really damned good this season.  Of course, it’s difficult to believe Jonathan Sanchez is a permanent member of the bullpen, so we can’t be too concerned–we will just look forward to getting out of Milwaukee where the Brewers have posted a 45-7 record since 2007 against the Bucs.

[If you love great artwork, be sure to check out our friend Katie's work--you can follow her on twitter here.  Contreras will be the old hammerhead shark we would guess.  A lot of scars and war wounds.  We look forward to seeing that sketch from Katie.  To check out all of her work, go to this dribble site.]

Checking in on how the 41-year old (?) Contreras is recovering from yet another surgery has been exciting.  A lot of swing-and-miss, a cool tweet from his battery mate, Tony Sanchez and plenty of buzz about his splitter/forkball.

Contreras has pitched back-to-back days at Triple-A Indianapolis.  The big right hander has thrown two innings and allowed two hits, including a solo home run which accounts for his lone earned run.  Contreras has struck out three batters over his two innings of work.

Most discussions have Contreras pegged to join the club in Pittsburgh this weekend, when the Washington Nationals arrive for a weekend series.

Contreras struckout just over nine batters per nine innings in 101 appearances for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2010-2012.  He was insane before going down with the injury last season with a 15/3 K/BB ratio–even though it was just 14 innings.