Phillies Sign Aaron Cook, Creating “Rotation of the Ages” For Lehigh Valley
By John Stolnis
Sep 22, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Aaron Cook (35) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
In a series of moves that harken back to the heart-pounding off-season of 2011, the Philadelphia Phillies today signed starting pitcher Aaron Cook to a minor league deal that could be worth about $1.6 million if he pitches in the Major Leagues this season.
Coming on the heels of the much ballyhooed Rodrigo Lopez and Juan Cruz signings, the Phils are once again attempting to put together a “Rotation for the Ages.”
For LeHigh Valley.
The 33-year-old Cook had a terrible season for the Red Sox in 2012, where he started 18 games and posted a 5.65 ERA with 1.9 K/9, 2.0 BB/9 and a 58.6% ground ball rate in 94 innings and, according to FanGraphs, generated swings and misses on just 3.7% of his offerings.
Yikes.
It’s clear that Ruben Amaro is attempting to create some competition for that final spot in the rotation and/or assemble quite a veteran staff for the LeHigh Valley Iron Pigs, who definitely want to win another division title this year. And the Piggies winning another title is really, really, really important stuff, guys.
So, at the very least, #Phillies creating some spring competition for that fifth spot. Lannan, Pettibone, Cook, Cloyd, Rodriguez.
— Greg Pinto (@Greg_Pinto) January 16, 2013
The signing of Cook was not without its detractors of course…
@Phylan @DashTreyhorn @Marc_Normandin He achieved the rare feat of tallying more walks than strikeouts despite having a BB/9 of 2.0
— David Murphy (@ByDavidMurphy) January 16, 2013
Of course, some people just like to hate.
I prefer to see this as an amazing opportunity for all these arms to bring out the very best out in each other. A spirited competition is just what the doctor ordered, no?
I mean, at the very least, Lopez, Cloyd, Cook, Pettibone and/or Lannan is going to make the Iron Piggies one hell of an out come next September.
So, sit back and enjoy LeHigh Valley! Your “Rotation of the Ages” is complete!