Cook to start Rockies final home game
In what might well be his final appearance with the Colorado Rockies, Aaron Cook, who has more wins than any pitcher in franchise history, is scheduled to start the final home game of the season on Wednesday Sept. 21 against the San Diego Padres.
Manager Jim Tracy announced that assignment in his pre-game meeting with the media. Cook, 32, lost his place in the rotation to left-hander Drew Pomeranz. Cook last started on Sept. 4 and hasn’t pitched since that date. Tracy said because of that layoff, he would like Cook to get some work prior to facing the Padres.
Cook is 3-9 with a 5.74 ERA in 16 starts this season when his debut was delayed until June 8 as he worked his way back from right shoulder inflammation. With 72 victories, Cook has more wins than any pitcher in franchise history. The Rockies drafted Cook in the second round in 1997 out of Hamilton (Ohio) High School, and he made his major league debut with them in 2002.
His contract includes an $11 million mutual option for 2012 with a $500,000 buyout. Whether he would return to the Rockies as a non-roster player in spring training having to make the team or with a guaranteed contract with a relatively low base salary loaded with incentives, remains to be seen.
That is a pretty cool thing to do in my opinion.
I agree. Best decision Tracy’s made all year.