Phillies release Aaron Cook, depth at starter takes hit
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Phillies release Aaron Cook, depth at starter takes hit
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
The Phillies have released righthander Aaron Cook, who was eligible for a $100,000 bonus if he accepted an assignment to the minor leagues. Assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said the Phillies decided on their own to release Cook rather than pay him the bonus.
Cook, a veteran sinkerballer who has struggled the last couple of season, posted a 3.38 ERA in six spring outings. As usual, his strikeout numbers were low (five in 18 2/3 innings, against four walks).
Cook did not have an obvious spot on the big league roster. His departure leaves the Phillies without a veteran starter at Triple-A. The move would seem to indicate that promising lefty Adam Morgan will start the season at Triple-A along with righties Jonathan Pettibone and perhaps Ethan Martin. Righthander Tyler Cloyd is on the 40-man roster and started a handful of games last season and provides added depth.
"I think we feel pretty good about the depth that we have," said Proefrock, who added that the club was stretching out reliever B.J. Rosenberg to join the Triple-A rotation.
He would have been nice insurance in case KK or Light 'em up Lannan implodes. Hopefully one of the young arms is ready.— hunglikeaton- bring a kid up now and pray they can man up...we're out of options— Friend to All
- We had one. His name was Vance. — dmn
- This is not shocker. If no one else picks up "short order" Cook, he can then resign a minor league deal to play of Lehigh Valley. There will be other, better veteran starters looking for a chance by the end of the week. RAJ will find someone to man the Iron Pig rotation. Remember, Cloyd is still available, as he received no attention this Spring, yet was dominant at AA/AAA last season. He looked ok during his drink of coffee last September as well. Carlos Zambrano should be on RAJ's radar as we speak.— drhoffman
- I would rather have Cook than Lannan. Lannan stinks.— alihajishank
- Idiot, Cook's record last 3 years 13-29, 5.54 ERA. — kavorca
- I don't like this, he should have been kept until they are sure all the starters are going to be okay. This is a bad move!— Paul SoTX
- Paul, I agree. I listened to the game on Saturday and Aaron put in a fine game. All the more it's a head scratcher with a very shaky Halladay, not to mention a Kendrick who can implode at a moments notice, not to mention Lannan and his latest effort. I've seen enough of Cloyd to say "Pass". Starting pitching, once the highlight of the team, no longer is. Could this be the opening for a Kyle Lohse? — DelawareRiverRat
- $100,000 doesn't mean much when you consider you have a veteran starting pitcher to step in when Halladay goes down or Lannan blows up or maybe both. You can't have a team full of veterans making their last run at the playoffs and a front office and ownership group pinching every penny. If this is the plan of action then start trading off the veterans and rebuild.— BigT
This is a mistake. He should be headed north as the long man.— Cakes- The leaders of the Phillies are clueless. Cook is not great. The rotation is poor at best. The Phillies need 6-8 runs a game most nights to win. Doc, Lannan, Kendrick and even Lee are going to be rocked by Nats and Braves. The Royals will rock the staff during their trip to Philly.— wmontanez27
- 3.38 ERA is fine. Agree with other posters that 100k is not much for a veteran backup.— P Even
- He probably asked for his release. Didn't want to go to AAA. Otherwise it doesn't make a lot of sense.— EL Zorro
- Cook is 34 people. Not a kid with upside. As DrHoffman points out, there will be others available in the coming days (and we DON'T know if Rube is already cooking up something as we speak)— ExiledinFla
