Quotes by Jose Contreras

“I think its my best outing in a major league uniform.”

“Ive got a lot of respect for the Yankees, but I think its just coincidence I pitched well against them. Both games were big games and we needed that. Hopefully I can bring this game against every team I face.”

“Im being aggressive and throwing strikes, ... Finally, its coming together.”

“At the beginning of the year, I was pitching pretty decent but I wasnt getting the wins. Now, Im getting the wins and helping the team win games.”

“I was ready to pitch my game once we started. The rain was the last thing on my mind. I had a good fastball, kept the ball down in the zone, and my slider was effective early in the game.”

“The first thing I do after a game is call my mom or brother or someone, and I dont know how they do it, but they get the information before I can tell them, ... Its pretty funny.”

“When I would lose a game before and they were not here, it was hard, but now its a little easier to take, ... And when you win, you feel that much better because you can share it with your family.”

“The government is one thing and the country of Cuba and my people are something different completely, ... Its like the United States government and your country. You dont have to agree with the policies to be proud of your country.”

“[He paused and looked up to make eye contact, expressing sincerity that needed no translation.] When I go out to pitch, I go out to pitch not only for the fans here in Chicago but my fans in Cuba and the Cuban people, ... I represent something bigger than just pitching for one team.”

“It was a little bit of a motivation, but I never let it get to me, ... I knew if I work hard, good things will happen.”