Phillies sign Jose Contreras, 2010's Chan Ho Park

The Phillies have just signed 2010's version of Chan Ho Park. Park, as you may recall, was signed to a one year deal prior to last season with the promise that he would compete for a spot in the rotation but with the idea that he would really be a bullpen piece. Jose Contreras, signed by the Phillies to a one year deal today, will join the team under the same premise.

Contreras, who turned 38 in September, has been around the block in the majors, playing for the Yankees, White Sox and Rockies in his 7 year career. He has mostly been a starting pitcher, starting 175 of the 191 games he has pitched in his career. Contreras even started 21 games last season for the White Sox, where he went 5-13, and didn't move to the bullpen until he joined the Rockies late in the season.

While Contreras will be competing with Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick for the 5th starter spot but he will more likely begin the season in the exact role that Chan Ho Park vacated. While the signing is hardly exciting, the Phillies aren't taking a huge risk by signing Contreras to a one year deal. Worst case scenario, Contreras has nothing left in the tank and the Phillies cut him. Best case scenario, Contreras is a cheaper version of Park who can give the team quality long relief innings and can start in a pinch.