"Aaron Cook, the winningest pitcher in the Rockies' history, has left the building, but he could return.

Cook hit the free-agent market Monday after the Rockies, as expected, declined his $11 million option for 2012. He instead will receive a $500,000 buyout.

While Cook has severed ties with the organization, Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd has told him that the club is open to him returning at a significantly reduced salary. And make no doubt, Cook wants to stay."