ken5050, you praised Contreras, but you may not have realized he's really, really been good.
If the All Star Game spots were given for second half performances, Jose would be on the roster easily: 10-2 record, 3.02 ERA, 1.16 WHIP. It's funny because the Sox had two All Stars who fell apart and exchanged them for at least one new All Star (2 if you count McCarthy). And it's doubly funny, as you noted, since the in-need-of-pitching Yanks basicly gave him away. Think they could have used a 3.02 ERA pitcher since the ASB? Total schadenfreude for us anti-Yanks fans.
The ChiSox have had amazing luck. Most teams who had their top two pitchers fall into a pit like the Sox would have no shot at the playoffs.
Hansem ( whom BOITH the Yankees and Mets passed over) quoted in the Times' today, discussing his appearance...."I usually give up one homer a YEAR in college.."