Contreras overpowering in win

TOLEDO (AP) -- Jose Contreras was relaxed and effective away from New York.
The Cuban right-hander struck out eight and allowed three hits and no runs over five innings Tuesday, pitching the Triple-A Columbus Clippers to a 7-1 win over Toledo in his first minor league start.
Contreras, who signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Yankees but struggled in the bullpen, overpowered Mud Hens hitters. His fastball topped out at 98 mph, and he consistently threw in the mid-90s.
Contreras said the biggest difference since being demoted was being away from the pressure in New York.
"I was able to relax and find myself," he said through an interpreter. "It's a little different because you don't have the pressure of the game. In New York, the goal is to win every game."
Contreras was ineffective as a reliever for the Yankees, going 1-0 with a 10.80 ERA in five appearances, and he was demoted so he could get more chances to pitch.
Only once did he get in a jam against the Mud Hens, giving up a leadoff double to Kevin Witt in the second inning. Contreras struck out Danny Klassen and Cody Ross to end the threat.